#ClearHerPath: For Women's Employment in South Asia

In South Asia, only 1 in 3 women are in the workforce, compared to 3 out of 4 men. Millions of women are not getting the chance to realize their potential—to work, earn an income, and contribute to their families, communities and economy. Even when they work, women often earn less than men and hold jobs without benefits and protections.

We call on all stakeholders to #ClearHerPath so that more women can thrive in the workforce.

Meet the women who are blazing a trail in South Asia’s workforce

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Clearing the Path for Women to Work Can Bring Prosperity to South Asia

Across South Asia, success stories of working women abound. Yet, alongside these stories, lies a persistent and confounding statistic: South Asia has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in the world.

Talking Development: Kasturi Wilson

World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde talks to Kasturi Wilson, first woman CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC in Sri Lanka, about how closing the gender gap can contribute to economic growth.

Report: Reshaping Social Norms About Gender

To reshape its economy, South Asia must take action to challenge existing gender norms and give women more economic opportunities.

Engendering Access to STEM Education and Careers in South Asia

Investments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can accelerate development in South Asia—especially if they foster opportunities for women.

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Meet the women who are blazing a trail in South Asia’s workforce

A long-time champion of women, Rama Devi leads Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India, a non-profit that helps women entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed.

As Chairperson of One Media Group and one of the few women leaders in Maldives’ media industry, Minha Faiz is passionate about unleashing the next generation of women leaders.

Sumita Ghose, Founder of social enterprise rangSutra, helps India’s women artisans make their mark on the global textile market.

Sanchita Lama, an animation supervisor at Nepal’s Incessant Rain Studios, is pursuing her passion and inspiring other women in a male-dominated industry.

A midwife and founder of Mama Baby Fund, Neha Mankani makes maternity and neonatal care accessible to more people in Pakistan.

Sabira Mehrin, CEO of Wander Woman, developed a travel platform that lets Bangladeshi women travel everywhere without fear.

Maithreyi Rajasingam, Executive Director of Viluthu, helped develop Amara Forum, a collective that allows women’s voices to be heard in policy and political processes in Sri Lanka.

A trailblazer in the field of urban design, City Scanner CEO Parul Sharma is creating safer, more livable and resilient roads, housing and public spaces in India.

One of Sri Lanka’s eminent business leaders, Hemas Holdings CEO Kasturi Wilson has leveraged her fearless mindset to achieve success in her career.

Roshaneh Zafar, founder of Kashf Foundation and pioneer of microfinance for women in Pakistan, is passionate about helping women take control of their economic futures.

Nyema Zam, CEO and Founder of content streaming platform Samuh, is supporting the growth of Bhutan’s creative industry and mentoring women talents.