The World Bank Group has announced its Gender Strategy 2030, aiming to enhance economic opportunities for women by 2030. The initiative was introduced at the 2024 World Bank Group Annual Meetings and focuses on three main areas: broadband access, social protection, and capital provision.
The organization plans to enable 300 million more women to use broadband services, which will provide them with essential services such as financial aid, education, and job opportunities. Additionally, it aims to support 250 million women through social protection programs, targeting the poorest and most vulnerable groups. Another goal is to offer capital to 80 million more women and women-led businesses to foster entrepreneurship.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, stated: “When we increase women’s economic participation, it not only boosts the global economy but also strengthens families and communities.” He emphasized that economic empowerment helps lift people out of poverty while extending hope and dignity.
To meet these targets, the World Bank will invest in countries with significant connectivity gaps and advocate for policy reforms to encourage private investment in infrastructure. Social protection efforts will include investments in digital social registries to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic barriers. These initiatives will link digital cash transfers with skills training and market access for sustained economic opportunities.
In terms of capital access for women-led businesses, the Bank will work with various stakeholders including regulators and financial institutions to prevent gender biases in lending practices. It plans to mobilize resources through gender bonds and other instruments while promoting necessary regulatory reforms.
Current projects across Africa are addressing challenges like limited internet coverage and high data costs. In Zambia, digital cash transfer programs are expanding to reach nearly four million women alongside skills training initiatives. In Ethiopia, a project aims to boost profits by 30% for women-owned businesses over five years.
For further details about these initiatives, visit the World Bank's website or follow their updates on Twitter at @WBG_Gender.