Women make significant, unrecognised contributions to local economies, and to economic
development; however they face multiple and overlapping barriers to realising their full
potential in terms of access to education, information, decision-making power, or earning
power (among others).1 Research has shown that the economic empowerment of women can
build self-confidence, enhance women’s agency within the household and community, and
contribute to improved education, health and security outcomes for families.