Women’s economic empowerment

Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.

Particularly in Africa, gender-responsive services, production resources, markets in agriculture, industry and trade would enhance economic empowerment of women and youth extensively. African countries need to adopt and implement regional and national plans, legislations, policies, strategies, budgets and justice mechanisms in order to strengthen women’s economic empowerment. 

Through regional and national interventions, UN Women aims to empower up to 2 million women to increase income, build assets, wealth and business leadership. The programme facilitates women’s access to productive resources and business services by addressing policy and regulatory barriers and promote women’s active participation in and benefit from the extractive industry, agriculture, trade and building women’s and youth’s agribusiness and entrepreneurship skills across the value chain.

In East and Southern Africa, UN Women’s economic empowerment programs aim to reach women most in need and likely to be left behind, especially women living in poverty, in rural areas, with disability. UN Women’s approach to economic empowerment is a strategic, transformative, collective portfolio with the aim that all women ultimately experience the full realization of their economic, social and cultural rights. In 2026-2029, our work spans transforming care economies, gender-responsive climate action, and women’s participation in the world of work. Through thought leadership, technical support, and convening power, we drive systemic change, shift social norms, and enable sustainable results across East and Southern Africa.

Our offer

• Normative power: influencing change by shaping and influencing norms, standards, laws and policy at all levels.
• Operational excellence: delivering results through effective, impactful programming.
• Coordination role: coordinating actions for women and girls within and with the UN system.
• Convening power: bringing together multi-stakeholder groups from various sectors and driving collective action.
• Thought leadership: providing policy advice, technical expertise, and setting the regional agenda.
• Data and knowledge generation: generating evidence and actionable solutions to drive advocacy and innovation.
• Advocacy and storytelling: amplifying the voices of women and communities and making the case for investment and change through compelling, human-interest storytelling.