Introduction

Women’s equal access to and control over economic and financial resources is critical for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and for equitable and sustainable economic growth and development. Economic resources refer to the direct factors of production such as “immoveable” assets, including land, housing, common pool resources and infrastructure, as well as “moveable” assets, such as productive equipment, technology and livestock. Financial resources refer to money-based resources, including government expenditures, private financial flows and official development assistance, as well as income, credit, savings and remittances. Both economic and financial resources have important implications for women’s economic roles in sustaining household livelihoods, in labour markets and in the wider economy.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development