Business & Women’s empowerment: A study of developing markets

Addressing the critical issue of gender equality is a key challenge for many parts of the world that remain poor and lack the same opportunities as their western counterparts.

In reducing barriers to achieve greater gender equality, there has been growing evidence of businesses attempting to bridge the gap between men and women.

Corporate Citizenship believes that global businesses have an important role to play in empowering women in developing markets. Gender equality is key to a country’s economic and social development as it generates higher growth outcomes and lower poverty. Leading businesses are already exploring the opportunities of investing in women’s empowerment in emerging markets.

Research conducted by Corporate Citizenship and Nottingham University’s International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR) analyses initiatives set up by global businesses addressing women empowerment in emerging markets.

Findings suggests that businesses are increasingly valuing the importance of women in developing countries, observing their status as potential consumers; employees; suppliers and distributors.

• Investing in women spreads economic opportunities, creating stronger communities and a broader base of consumers and potential employees
• A company can achieve higher productivity by increasing the number of women across the value chain, and provide more women with training and education
• Engaging women in distribution networks and targeting female markets can help a company to increase sales.

Companies with significant footprints in developing markets have much to gain from assessing the opportunities of women’s empowerment.

For more information, please contact: maggie.law@corporate-citizenship.com