BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – World Bank Country Representative for Eswatini, Ikechi Okorie, urged all stakeholders to invest in women, emphasising the economic gains that such an investment would bring to the country.
Okorie made this statement at the official launch of the report on Eswatini Trends and Opportunities to Advance Gender Equality, which was hosted today by Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane.
“At the World Bank, we view gender equality not only as a matter of principle or the right thing to do, but also smart economics,” Okorie said. Adding, the Representative said Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment were integral to achieving their mission of reducing extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity and to do so, on a livable planet. These goals, according to Okorie, are well-aligned and consistent with Eswatini’s National Development Plan.
Okorie said across the world, accelerating gender equality and investing in women’s empowerment could yield significant economic gains. “Long-run GDP per capital would be almost 20 percent higher, if gender gaps in employment were closed. Moreover, the global economy could gain US$5 to 6 trillion if women started and scaled up new businesses at the same rate as men do,” he said.
Okerie noted that March 8 was International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The purpose of the launch event was to prepare for this important day. The speaker urged the audience to reflect on the progress made by women, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead.
He further stated that the theme for International Women’s Day 2024 was ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The World Bank representative explained that when people inspire others to recognize and appreciate women’s inclusion, a better world can be created.
