Wednesday, November 30, 2011

World Bank Pledges Support for Reducing Gender Inequalities in Ethiopia

(Nove 29, 2011, ADDIS ABABA)--Despite alarmingly high gender inequalities in education, health, economic participation, as well as being victims of harmful traditional practices, Ethiopian women have immense potential to contribute to the country’s economy, according to the 2012 World Development Report on Gender Equality and Development.

According to the report, substantially reducing gender inequalities and eliminating harmful traditional practiceswill increase economic growth but will require concrete action on the part of the government and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

The  Women Entrepreneurship Development Project (USD$50 million), a new project  the Bank plans to implement over the next five years, seeks to reduce these inequalities by increasing the earnings and employment of female-owned businesses in urban areas, through tailoring financial instruments, developing entrepreneurial skills, and supporting technology and product development.

“The Ethiopian government has a clear aim of removing gender inequalities, and we will do our job in supporting those efforts,” said Greg Toulmin, acting World Bank country director for Ethiopia. Read more from World Bank »

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