Economic rights and participation – a key driver for welfare
Strengthening the financial independence of women, ensuring access to education, decent work and social protection is not only a fundamental right, it is also crucial in promoting welfare, ending poverty and achieving SDG 5. Nevertheless, women still encounter barriers that limit their participation in working life and prevent society from benefiting from potential economic growth.
What
Women's financial independence is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of gender equality. It's also a powerful driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, and social welfare. However, women continue to face significant barriers to full participation in the economy. Norway is committed to changing this through targeted and integrated efforts to promote women's economic empowerment.
Why
Despite progress, women have fewer resources and less access to education, financial capital, property, and social protection than men. They bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and face discrimination in the labour market. According to the World Bank, women only have two-thirds of the labour rights of men and earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn. More than two billion women lack access to essential social safety nets.
Closing the gender gap could increase global GDP by up to 35%, according to the IMF. In agriculture, where women play a vital role, bridging the gender divide could add 1 billion USD to the global economy and ensure food security for 45 million people.
How
Norway's action plan for gender equality prioritises women's economic participation. We support:
- Structural reforms: Changes to financial policy and taxation to encourage investment in social protection and services that enable women's employment.
- Legal protections: Strengthening labour and family law, with a focus on sexual harassment and equal pay.
- Empowering women: Backing women-led cooperatives, farmers' organisations, and advocacy groups to secure women's access to resources and inheritance.
- Education and skills: Investing in STEM and green sector vocational training to equip women for in-demand jobs.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with multilateral banks, UN organisations, and civil society to amplify our impact.
Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, Norway is committed to unlocking women's economic potential. By empowering women, we can build stronger, more equitable economies for all. Norway has established positive, long-term partnerships with multilateral organisations and civil society. The Norwegian government's action plan on gender equality includes measures to strengthen women's economic participation and their roles in decision-making processes. This involves supporting authorities in developing and implementing non-discriminatory legislation and policies that promote equal participation in society.
Who/Where
Our primary opportunities to influence global and national developments lie in funding and strategic partnerships and diplomatic efforts. At the national level, strategic, knowledge-based dialogue with partners is essential for strengthening women's economic rights and participation. Key channels for funding include UN Women, as well as Norwegian and international NGOs. It is vital that this funding also strengthens local women's organisations' and networks. Norway prioritises discriminated groups, including girls, women and LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and regions affected by war, conflict and humanitarian crises.
Links
Latest reports
A fair world is an equal world - regjeringen.no
The Norwegian Government’s Action Plan: Women, Peace and Security (2023-2030) - regjeringen.no
Women, Business and the Law - Gender Equality, Women Economic Empowerment - World Bank Group
Facts and figures: Economic empowerment | UN Women – Headquarters
Contact
For further information, please contact the Section for Gender Equality.