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World Bank support for gender is on the increase

A new World Bank report analyzing its gender mainstreaming efforts shows that an increasing share of World Bank projects is addressing gender inequalities. The report reveals that gender issues informed the design of 45 percent of all lending operations in fiscal year 2008 –from July 2007 to June 2008-- compared to 35 percent in fiscal 2006. It also finds that the institution's Gender Action Plan is beginning to show results, having allocated nearly $30 million to a range of initiatives dedicated to women's economic empowerment.

Goldman Sachs publishes new research on women's spending patterns

Our forum member Goldman Sachs recently published interesting new research on how growing gender equality around the world is giving women greater influence and decision-making power within the household. The Power of the Purse: Gender Equality and Middle-Class Spending shows that women's spending priorities differ from men's, and makes the case that spending patterns within households are likely to also shift as women's equality increases. Goldman Sachs identifies specific sectors that are likely to benefit from women’s greater buying power. These include food, healthcare, education, childcare, apparel, consumer durables and financial services. They also identify a list of companies with exposure to these global opportunities, suggesting that these businesses are likely to greatly benefit as women gain voice and resources around the world.

Self-sabotage at work?

A new article in Forbes magazine examines the common ways women sometimes behave to put their jobs at risk. The article cites six reasons women self-sabotage, from not speaking up at meetings, to being too timid to negotiate the right salary and overly accomodating to superiors, as well as unable to control emotions. Such behaviors can have high costs. Citing data from Carnegie Mellon University, the article argues that women leave somewhere around $500,000 on the table by the time they're 60 if they don't negotiate an equitable first salary. This should be motivation enough to start honing those negotiation skills.

The White House Council on Women and Girls launches new website

In celebration of the 89th Anniversary of women getting the right to vote and Women's Equality Day on August 26th, the White House Council on Women and Girls went live with their new website. The website includes information about relevant policy issues and work on these at the White House. The President also issued a Proclamation reaffirming the government's commitment to gender equality. The Council on Women and Girls was created in March of 2009 to ensure that the needs of women and girls are taken into account in the work of the different government agencies.

Half the Sky

As part of promotion for Half the Sky, the upcoming book by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife Sheryl WuDunn, the New York Times is releasing this Sunday a special section in the magazine on the plight of women around the world. The magazine features stories of Afghan schoolgirls, difficulties with World Bank projects in India, and an interview with U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, as well as Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. There is also an article on philanthropy and how wealthy women are helping channel funding to women's causes.

Fertility is on the rise in highly developed nations

An interesting article in the Washington Post highlights new research showing that economic development does not inevitably lead to a decline in fertility. The research, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, finds that, once a nation has reached a certain level of development, women in many countries start having more children again.

Women leaders meet in Singapore

Over 600 women delegates met this August as part of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC) Women Leaders Network. This was the 14th in a series of annual meetings, at which delegates discussed ways in which women in the Asia-Pacific region are affected in business, the knowledge economy, balancing their work and family life, and in social enterprise. At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegates proposed 10 policy recommendations to APEC leaders. They include steps to strengthen capacity building programs, promote employment generation programs for women, ensure access to financing, and secure social safety nets for women. The group's next meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan in September 2010.

Fund for Gender Equality: Call for Proposals

The UNIFEM Fund for Gender Equality, a program that works to accelerate progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment, has announced its first call for proposals. The aim is to fund up to 30 programs that contribute to the Fund's goals around the world. Those eligible to apply include governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as partnerships between or within these sectors. The specific guidelines and the application form can be downloaded on the Fund's website. The applications are due on September 30, 2009.

Microfinance in Afghanistan

A new study examining the impact of microfinance in Afghanistan finds that microfinance has had a positive effect on the economic participation and social empowerment of Afghan women, but that challenges remain to providing services to greater numbers of women. According to the study, 60% of microfinance clients in the country are female, and the microloans they receive have helped strengthen their ability to participate in decision-making. The report notes that 74% of women microfinance clients participate in business decisions in the family, compared to 52% of non-clients.

Vital Voices Asia summit announced

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined the Vital Voices Global Partnership this July in New Delhi to announce plans for the upcoming Vital Voices of Asia: Leadership and Training Summit, which will be held in New Delhi, India in early 2010. The event will recognize the critical role that women play in moving the region forward. Our forum members Boeing, Goldman Sachs, and Standard Chartered Bank will help host the summit. The Private Sector Leaders Forum is an event partner, as part of the World Bank Group Gender Action Plan.