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Empowering women is key to unlocking $12 trillion in economic growth
24 Apr 2024
During the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York, UNFPA hosted an event that brought together global leaders, policymakers and innovators to address a pivotal challenge: Unlocking $12 trillion of economic growth through investments in women-centric solutions. Co-hosted by UNFPA and the Government of Norway and moderated by Laurie Hays, CEO/Editor-in-Chief of The Fuller Project, participants celebrated the actions taken across industries to ensure gender equity by design through policies and frameworks.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, and Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary of the Government of Norway, set the tone with strong advocacy for gender equity. Dr. Kanem underscored the transformative potential of the recently launched Equity 2030 Alliance, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and collaboration to bridge financing and research gaps in women's health care.
“Since its launch by UNFPA last year, the Equity 2030 Alliance has brought together over 45 members from diverse sectors, and shed light on critical gaps in gender equity within science, technology and financing,” said Dr. Kanem. “It symbolizes our shared commitment to a future where gender equity is not just an ideal but a reality. Despite significant advancements, there is a glaring gap in funding for innovation and research that centres on the unique needs of women and girls.” Ms. Sandkjær echoed this sentiment, showcasing Norway's proactive approach to integrating gender perspectives into science, technology and digitalization, highlighting its role in enhancing women's quality of life and health.
Participants shared examples of the collective power of action toward gender equity, with Ambassador Olivier Maes of Luxembourg and Ambassador Yojna Patel of India showcasing national efforts to support women's participation in innovation and empower them through educational and economic initiatives.
Many also noted the importance of supporting other organizations to embrace more gender-equitable design policies and processes. Elizabeth Broderick, Founder of the Champions of Change Coalition, launched the 7 Switches guidebook to Inclusive Gender Equality by Design while Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, President of the Medical Women’s International Association, shared their training resources for health-care professionals on mainstreaming gender in health.
From international diplomacy to technological innovation, participants agreed that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. As the journey toward achieving the goals of the Equity 2030 Alliance continues, persistent advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment to women and girls worldwide will be paramount.
“To revolutionize health care, we must embed gender equity at its core,” said Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director of Management at UNFPA, during his closing remarks. “Together, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, well-being, and equity.”
The Equity 2030 Alliance is a collaborative effort that aims to foster an equitable future by bridging divides and championing gender-inclusive solutions in the realms of science, technology, and finance. Read more about the actions shared and how to become a member on our website.
