The next edition of the Parliamentary Dialogue Series, organized by the World Bank and the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF, will give parliamentarians the unique opportunity to participate in the World Bank Gender Strategy 2024-2030 Consultations on November 9, 2023 from 9:00-10:30 AM EST (Washington).
Gender equality is an urgent imperative and fundamental human right that is central to advancing sustainable development. The unprecedented set of crises impacting the world today cannot be addressed without accelerated progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. While there have been some improvements, notably in access to health services and education outcomes, gains are too slow and fragile. For example, advances in human capital have not led to increased labor participation, equal pay, or equal representation for women in leadership. Meanwhile, economies could gain as much as $5-6 trillion globally if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men. What’s more, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by shocks, as evidenced by COVID-19, when they saw greater employment and education losses than men and boys. Transformative change is needed, spanning laws and policies, public and private sector activities, and personal lives.
Parliamentarians are essential to building political and social will for gender equality. As representatives of the people, they understand the unique context on the ground and how to best address inequalities in their countries and communities. They have a direct impact on gender outcomes through the shaping of laws, budgets, public opinion and social norms. They also play an essential role in overseeing their governments’ management of gender programs and policies.
The Parliamentary Dialogue Series promotes dialogue and transparency between the World Bank, IMF, and legislators. This event will provide a platform for parliamentarians to contribute their voices and experience to the proposed World Bank Gender Strategy 2024-30 to accelerate gender equality for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future in alignment with the World Bank Evolution Roadmap.