World Bank commits to gender equality

by Richard Kilner

Story link: World Bank commits to gender equality

Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, has declared the institution has six World Bank Group commitments to gender equality.

The announcement was made at the Ways to Bridge Gender Gaps event where Zoellick joined ministers from a number of countries, including Germany and Denmark, in calling for developing countries to consider the status of women there, and the creation of business opportunities for young women.

Zoellick highlighted two strong reasons why women across the world deserve the same entrepeneurial opportunities as men: firstly he cited that it was basic decency, and secondly he made the practical case, referring to the vast economic and social advantages brought about by the empowerment of women.

The six commitments of the World Bank include a pledge to include gender equality as part of its rural and agricultural projects by the end of 2010 and to funnel funds directly to creating credit lines for women through the International Finance Corporation.