No country has achieved gender equality – and this is reflected in the world of work.
Globally women earn less than men and are less likely to be employed: they are only half as likely to be in full time jobs and when they are, their incomes are on average 10-30 percent lower. Meanwhile the latest Grant Thornton International Business Report indicates that the share of women in senior management roles, worldwide, is only 24 percent.
Our region, the Pacific, has the world’s lowest rate of female political representation. While women are becoming increasingly better educated, they continue to lack access to land, finance and jobs, and much of their work, in the home and on their land, is overwhelmingly undervalued.
Promoting women’s economic empowerment, as entrepreneurs, employees, and leaders is increasingly seen as one of the most important drivers of the fight against poverty.
But what can be done to promote women’s leadership in the workplace? What works in addressing gender gaps in employment - and what are the roles of governments, businesses, and civil society in making this happen?
Joining us to discuss these critical topics we have Amy Luinstra, Senior Gender Specialist at the International Finance Corporation who will be discussing the experiences of the recently established Business Coalition for Women in Papua New Guinea – the first organisation of its kind in the Pacific; Joanne Crawford, Research and Policy Adviser at the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) and; Amanda Donigi, Founder of Stella Magazine in Papua New Guinea.
Follow on Twitter: @WorldBankAsia #PacificPraxis
Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6FE8A490B08CB2DB&feature=plcp
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Refreshments will be provided. The discussion will last an hour, with 30 minutes set aside for questions from the audience.
RSVP: We need to confirm numbers by 5pm Wednesday, June 18th. Please email us at pacificmedia@worldbank.org, to register your attendance. As this is a catered event, please only RSVP if your attendance is assured.