A greater understanding has emerged of how investing in women’s economic empowerment can deliver gender equality and women’s rights, poverty eradication and economic growth in the UK and overseas. 

Women’s economic empowerment is a global policy priority, captured in related targets for all countries in the Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts to achieve these targets have been galvanised by initiatives, such as a dedicated High-Level Panel established by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2016, which is championed by the UK Government. 

Yet women in the UK and around the world continue to struggle to access equal economic opportunities. 

This briefing sets out the challenges and opportunities posed by women's economic empowerment, and provides practical actions and policy options for UK parliamentarians.