World Bank Group Unveils Bold Gender Strategy for 2030, Focusing on Broadband, Social Protection, and Capital for Women

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The World Bank Group has made a powerful commitment to advancing gender equality and economic opportunity for women. At the 2024 Annual Meetings, the Bank unveiled ambitious targets as part of its Gender Strategy 2030 aimed at empowering women globally by enhancing access to broadband internet, social protection programs, and capital. The initiative is designed to help unlock economic potential, reduce poverty, and build stronger communities through sustainable and far-reaching change.


Ambitious Targets for Women’s Economic Empowerment


At the heart of the World Bank’s strategy are three critical pillars that are set to transform the economic landscape for women by 2030:


1. Broadband Access: The World Bank aims to enable 300 million more women to access broadband, which is essential for providing key services like financial tools, education, and employment opportunities.

2. Social Protection: The goal is to reach 250 million women, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, through expanded social protection programs that will offer a safety net and opportunities for sustained financial independence.

3. Access to Capital: A crucial step in fostering entrepreneurship, the Bank is committed to providing 80 million more women and women-led businesses with capital to drive economic growth and innovation.


“When we increase women’s economic participation, it not only boosts the global economy, but also strengthens families and communities,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. “Through economic empowerment, we are building a ladder out of poverty and extending hope and dignity as far as possible.”


Driving Sustainable Change Across Key Sectors


To meet these ambitious targets, the World Bank is focusing on transformative initiatives across various sectors.

In terms of broadband access, the Bank will prioritize investments in countries with the largest connectivity and financial gaps, emphasizing gender equality in digital inclusion. Access to broadband can provide women with tools to participate in the global economy, gain education, and secure employment. Investments in digital infrastructure will ensure that underserved areas are not left behind, helping bridge the digital divide.


Social protection programs will also see significant expansion, particularly through digital social registries. These will improve the efficiency of reaching women, ensuring that direct assistance reaches those who need it most. The Bank is advocating for an integrated approach where financial support is tied to opportunities for women to develop skills, receive business capital, and access mentorship—fostering long-term financial independence.


When it comes to access to capital, the Bank is working to eliminate gender biases in lending and expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with financial institutions, incubators, and fintech firms, the Bank aims to create a more inclusive financial environment that caters specifically to the needs of women-led businesses. Gender bonds and other financial tools will be employed to mobilize resources and create new opportunities for women to thrive in the business world.


On-the-Ground Impact and Scalable Projects


Several World Bank projects are already making strides toward these goals. For example, across 15 African countries, initiatives are addressing issues like limited internet access and high costs of data. In Zambia, digital cash transfer programs are reaching nearly four million women, while supporting skills training and business capital for thousands. In Ethiopia, projects that offer loans to women-led businesses are expected to increase profits by 30% and employment by 50% over the next five years.


The Bank’s Gender Strategy 2030 reflects a commitment to not only addressing immediate economic challenges but also providing long-term, sustainable solutions for women around the world. By enabling women’s participation in the digital economy, providing critical social safety nets, and unlocking access to capital, the World Bank aims to create a more equitable global economy—one where women are no longer sidelined but are driving growth and innovation.


As President Banga highlighted, the stakes are high, but the potential for transformation is even higher. “By focusing on women’s economic empowerment, we are not just investing in individuals—we are investing in families, communities, and the future of our global economy.”

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