Laws restrict women from economic opportunity
A recent report from the World Bank shows that of the 173 economies studied, 155 have at least one law that restricts women from certain economic opportunities. 32 countries restrict women from obtaining a passport on their own and 17 limit their ability to travel outside the home, while four countries block women from registering a business.
However, more than a third of those countries studied have implemented reforms over the last two years that address these limitations. Guinea, for example, has changed its labour code to prevent gender-based hiring discrimination.
“When women can work, manage incomes and run businesses, the benefits extend far beyond the individual level—to children, communities and entire economies,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim.