The World Bank has announced a new strategy aimed at increasing economic opportunities for women and enabling their participation in the global economy through social protection and access to broadband and capital.

According to a Negócios newspaperThe Gender Strategy 2030, unveiled during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, has set targets for 2030 that aim to enable 300 million more women to use broadband internet, unlocking essential services, financial services, education and employment opportunities.

It also aims to support 250 million women with social protection programs, focusing especially on the poorest and most vulnerable. It will also provide capital to 80 million more women and women-led businesses, addressing a critical constraint on the growth of entrepreneurship.

"When we increase women's economic participation, it not only boosts the global economy, but also strengthens families and communities," said Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, in a statement quoted by Negócios newspaper, stressing that through economic empowerment, we are building a ladder out of poverty and extending hope and dignity as far as possible."

To achieve these goals, the Bank will focus on promoting long-term, sustainable change. In the area of broadband access, it will prioritize investments in countries with the biggest connectivity and financial gaps, emphasizing gender equality in digital inclusion. It will also promote policy reforms to facilitate private investment and build infrastructure in underserved areas.

To expand social protection programs, it will invest in digital social registers, which are essential to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic barriers and guarantee direct assistance to women, the institution says. It will also leverage digital cash transfers, linking them to skills training, entrepreneurial capital, mentoring and market access, to give women the tools to have sustainable economic opportunities beyond temporary financial support.

In addition, to strengthen access to capital for women and women-led businesses, the Bank will collaborate with regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, incubators, accelerators and private equity funds to avoid gender bias in lending practices, strengthen the capacity of women entrepreneurs and improve access to credit and equity.

Working in collaboration with development finance institutions and investors, it will also mobilize resources through gender bonds and other financial instruments.

(Photo DR)