Gender gaps in labor force participation persist across all regions and have remained stagnant over the last three decades. The global average gap in workforce participation is 30 percent and, in some regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa, the gap remains particularly high at a stunning 56 percent. The economic cost of this gap is non-trivial: globally, economies stand to gain around 20 percent in GDP per capita. In addition, these gaps affect how men and women are impacted by crises as well as their ability to benefit from structural transformation, digitization, and the green transition. Policies, programs, and investments at all levels need to prepare for and respond to gender-specific impacts. This requires going beyond considerations of gender-based vulnerability and enabling women to participate and thrive in green, resilient, and inclusive development.  

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, this event will underscore the role that women can play in unleashing the future of jobs as economies undergo structural transformation and the green transition. It will bring together policy makers and thought leaders to facilitate knowledge exchange and inspire actions to accelerate equality and put women at the front and center of policy and resource decisions.

This event is organized in collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and is the first in a series of events and seminars focused on key development priorities that will help to build momentum toward the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakesh.