Women across the world have fewer rights compared to men, impacting their participation in the labor force and entrepreneurial activity. This is one of the findings of the World Bank’s flagship Women, Business and the Law 2024, the 10th in a series of annual studies measuring laws affecting women’s economic opportunities in 190 economies. This edition is the first to assess not only the pace of legal reforms to increase women’s economic empowerment, but also the implementation of those laws.

The report “Representation Matters”, published in 2023 by Women Political Leaders in partnership with the Oliver Wyman Forum, demonstrated that higher rates of women’s political representation in Parliament, Ministerial positions and other decision-making roles are closely linked to more inclusive and gender equal legislation, as measured by Women, Business and the Law. By adopting and implementing laws that strengthen women’s rights, economies will advance not only women’s empowerment but also spark economic growth and social resilience. 

Building on this initial research, Women, Business and the Law, Oliver Wyman Forum and Women Political Leaders have partnered to take the “Representation Matters” program forward.

Last Updated: Dec 16, 2024