SDG Media Zone: Unlocking Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment
The world faces a critical moment for gender equality. Women, particularly those in poor or rural communities, bear a disproportionate burden of poverty, climate change, and crises. They lack equal economic rights, face systemic barriers, and perform the majority of unpaid care work, valued at over $10.8 trillion annually. Achieving gender equality is essential for the 2030 Agenda and has the potential to boost the global economy by $7 trillion.
During the 2024 79th UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, the SDG Media Zone hosted an important session titled “Unlocking Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment”. Organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, this session focused on the critical issue of women’s economic empowerment and how global leaders can work together to remove the barriers hindering progress.
Moderated by Deutsche Welle’s US Correspondent, Janelle Dumalaon, the session brought together three distinguished leaders: Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany; and Foteini Papagioti, Senior Global Policy Advisor at the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW). The panel explored actionable solutions to address systemic inequalities that prevent women from accessing equal opportunities in business, finance, and education, and emphasized the need for sustainable investments and inclusive policies to ensure long-term gender equality.
Rebeca Grynspan emphasized inclusive financing and investment in education as key for women’s economic empowerment. Grynspan made a compelling case for ensuring women are represented in decision-making fora:
“We need a voice. We need to be at the table. Because as they say, if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. So we need women representation.”
Niels Annen echoed these sentiments, underscoring that there can be no true development without the inclusion of women.
He highlighted Germany’s efforts to foster inclusive development, saying:
“Germany tries to invest in funds and initiatives that make sure everybody has an opportunity to be part of that exciting vision of the world and to save our planet.”
Foteini Papagioti drew attention to the severe underinvestment in policies that impact women and girls:
“Significant underinvestment in the policies that can have a tangible impact on the lives of women and girls, such as the care economy, quality education, health care services, decent work, and social protection.”
Like the UN Trade and Development Secretary-General, Foteini pointed to the importance of women’s representation at decision-making in politics, climate action, economic governance, and global governance institutions.
This powerful session illuminated the urgent need for gender-inclusive policies, investments, and representation in decision-making.
Watch the full session on UN Web TV and YouTube
As the conversation highlighted, achieving gender equality is a key driver for global economic growth and progress. The SDG Media Zone session served as a reminder of the collective action needed to empower women and ensure a sustainable, equitable future for all.
