BANGKOK, June 18, 2012 – A new World Bank report shows that while
gender equality has increased across East Asia and the Pacific,
disparities still exist in a number of important areas. The report,
entitled “Toward Gender Equality in East Asia and the Pacific”, says
improving women’s access to jobs and economic opportunity could
significantly boost productivity in the region.
“Eliminating inequality of opportunity in economic participation could
increase worker productivity in the region by 7 to 18 percent. This
has large implications for economic growth and poverty reduction. So,
women’s economic empowerment is not only the right thing to do; it’s
the smart thing to do,” notes Pamela Cox, the World Bank’ East Asia
Pacific Vice President.
The report, which received support from AusAID, is being released by a
team of World Bank gender experts in Bangkok. They are speaking with
policy makers, civil society, and opinion leaders on the gender and
development agenda and discussing policy options to promote gender
equality and more effective development.
“The World Bank is committed to supporting countries in addressing the
constraints that women face in gaining access to economic opportunity,
whether related to strengthening their marketable skills, improving
their access to land and capital or increasing their voice and
influence in society,” says Annette Dixon, the World Bank’s Country
Director for Southeast Asia.