Only 4 % of Women Worldwide Enjoy Near‑Equal Economic Rights to Men, World Bank Report Finds
Published ahead of International Women’s Rights Day
Key Findings
- Economic parity is rare: Only 4 % of women around the globe have economic rights that are almost equal to those of men, according to a World Bank report released at the end of February.
- Scope of the study: The analysis covers the economic situation of women in 190 countries.
- Youth at risk: The report warns that this inequality threatens the employment prospects of the 1.2 billion young people who will enter the labour market in the next decade – half of them are girls.
“If swift measures are not taken, millions of young women will be unable to secure jobs, and economies will pay the price.” – World Bank
From Laws to Real‑World Implementation
The study, titled “Women, Business and the Law,” goes beyond a mere inventory of statutes. For the first time, it examines how legal rules are actually put into practice.
- Legal texts vs. enforcement: While many countries have progressive legislation, implementation remains partial.
- Expert insight: Legal scholars cited in the report note that “laws promoting full economic participation of women are only partially enforced.”
Bottom line: Governments must make significant additional efforts to turn reforms into tangible, on‑the‑ground change.
Reform Activity (2023‑2025)
- 113 positive reforms were adopted across 68 economies worldwide between 2023 and 2025.
- The reforms target most aspects of women’s economic life, especially entrepreneurship and violence prevention.
Indermit Gill, Chief Economist & Vice‑President for Development Economics at the World Bank, says:
“These legislative gains are often accompanied by persistent constraints that limit women’s access to work, business creation, and the security needed to seize existing opportunities.”
Concrete Gains in Selected Countries
| Country | Main Achievements | Score Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Recognised as a global “reformer” – leading the pack in legal equality advances. | +10 points in the legal‑equality score |
| Jordan | Notable progress in entrepreneurship‑friendly laws and protection against gender‑based violence. | — |
| Oman | Significant steps toward removing legal barriers for women’s business participation. | — |
These three nations are highlighted as examples of ambitious reform that have produced measurable improvements.
Systemic Risk Highlighted
The report flags a systemic risk: the absence of effective economic‑rights equality hampers job creation and reduces the productive potential of entire economies. Where legal equality is truly enforced, economies benefit from a larger, more inclusive labour force.
What Needs to Happen Next?
- Strengthen enforcement mechanisms – ensure that existing laws are applied uniformly.
- Close the implementation gap – translate legislative wins into real‑world opportunities for women.
- Monitor and evaluate – use data‑driven tools to track progress and adjust policies promptly.
Takeaway
While the World Bank’s recent reforms signal positive momentum, the stark reality remains: only a tiny fraction of women enjoy near‑equal economic rights. Without rapid, decisive action, the next generation of women—half of the 1.2 billion youth entering the workforce—could face entrenched barriers that stunt both personal and economic growth worldwide.
Source: World Bank, “Women, Business and the Law” (February 2024).
