Women’s Economic Empowerment

This page offers information on how to implement private sector development (PSD) programmes in gender-sensitive ways and promote Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) – now recognised as one of the major driving forces of global economic growth and well-being.

For an interactive, digestible introduction to WEE concepts and for tips on implementation, check out the new WEE Gateway, produced by the DCED WEE Working Group. The WEE Gateway includes video content, case studies, downloadable infographics and resources that you may find useful for sharing with colleagues.

Our WEE Webinar Library brings together top webinars on a wide variety of WEE topics into a complementary video learning hub. The DCED WEE WG podcast, WEE Talks, also explores a variety of WEE-related topics, in bite-sized format.

For more specific resources on the gender implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the DCED knowledge page on Socioeconomic impacts and national responses. For resources and advice on tackling growing gender inequality in the context of COVID-19, please refer to the DCED knowledge page on Promoting economic recovery and resilience.

Watch the videos below for a short introduction to the concept of WEE, and for an introduction to this knowledge page where we highlight how to navigate the page, and summarize key points from some of the most recent and relevant publications that you can find here.

At a glance: Short reads on WEE by the DCED

A Synthesis Note that defines WEE and outlines its constraints and opportunities.

Take a read

Research and Evidence Update on WEE, 2019

This update brings together key findings from recent original studies on constraints and solutions to WEE, as well as the social and economic benefits of WEE.

Take a read

Donor Responses for Promoting WEE During COVID-19, 2021

This policy brief outlines how DCED members should adjust their programmes to ensure that WEE is supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take a read

DCED publications

This section provides access to the DCED’s key documents on women’s economic empowerment, produced by various DCED Working Groups. Read more about the Women’s Economic Empowerment Working Group.

The need for WEE: Economic opportunities and obstacles

Integrating gender and WEE into PSD programmes

Measuring gender and WEE results in PSD

Photo credits: Nata Sisvadze/ALCP Georgia, GREEN ink.