Economic Empowerment of Women
We work to remove the barriers that limit women’s participation in Pacific economies.
Economies grow faster with women’s full participation. However, discriminatory laws, social norms, and customary practices, as well as low control over assets, low levels of support and a lack of awareness about how to start a business are limiting the ability of Pacific women to engage in business activities to the same extent as men.
Women are economically disadvantaged in the Pacific region. Discriminatory laws, social norms, and customary practices, alongside low control over assets, low levels of support, and a lack of awareness about how to start a business limit Pacific women’s ability to engage in business activities to the same extent as men.
PSDI’s economic empowerment of women works to clear pathways for women to enter the formal economy, focusing on:
- the creation of new businesses by women that generate economic activity in both urban centers and rural areas;
- the expansion of the formal labor market;
- the enrichment of business leadership through the participation of women who bring different skills and perspectives;
- higher business productivity, on which long-term growth depends; and
- the improvement of women’s confidence and autonomy to contribute to their communities.
These considerations inform all of PSDI’s work in developing policy frameworks, introducing legal reforms, mainstreaming gender into all programs, and evaluating pilot programs.
Economic Empowerment of Women and COVID-19
For more information on PSDI's Economic Empowerment of Women focus area and COVID-19, click here.
Economic Empowerment of Women at a glance
Women and Business
More women on SOE boards
Leadership potential realized
Latest News
PSDI experts have addressed an Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing event on the vital role women play in the Pacific informal economy.
PSDI experts have traveled to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea for consultations with women business owners and operators.
As International Women's Day 2023 shines a light on the digital gender gap and technological inclusion, watch this video to find out more about PSDI’s support for a digital gender gap audit of Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga.
Lower wages, uncertain employment, and caring responsibilities all impact on the retirement fund contributions Pacific women can make throughout their lives, a new PSDI report argues.
Key Publications
