WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

There is a two-way relationship between women empowerment and economic development; on the one hand development (on its own) can immensely contribute to bridging the gender gap; on the other hand woman empowerment can also lead to development. Does that mean that pulling just one of these two levers would trigger a virtuous circle? This paper reviews the literature on either side of the empowermentdevelopment nexus, and argues that the interrelations are likely to tenuous, and that equality between men and women may require a policy commitment to equality for its own sake. In this paper, we examine the complex relationships between women empowerment and economic development, arguing that greater rights and opportunities for women are necessary for sustainable economic development. Through several case analyses from a variety of socioeconomic situations, the paper demonstrates that an increase in productivity and innovation emanates from women being and having more access to education, healthcare and labor market inclusion. The findings reveal countries that invest in gender equality see faster economic growth and lower levels of poverty and better social outcomes. “Sadly, women empowerment is a topic for which there are still societal barriers in the name of traditions, legal rights, and accessibility to opportunities for the betterment of their lives. It outlines calls for systematic policies that advance gender equity to be at the heart of sustainable economic development and that investing in women is a cornerstone investment in the future of the global economy.