The Cost of Missing Out

Women are less likely to be protected by the security of formal employment as cultural customs situate women’s place outside the labour force. This is costing Asia-Pacific alone close to US$50 billion.  Deeply ingrained beliefs and cultural norms prevent women from participating equally and changing the perception of women’s role in society is challenging. However, as more women overcome these barriers and assume positions of leadership, the role of women visibly changes.

IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program supported the investigation of Public Perceptions of Women in Leadership in Fiji and found that most people believe that women are under-represented. The exclusion of women from formal employment and participation in politics comes at a significant economic cost.