IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today launched a series of reports indicating that Pacific business women need better access to information and knowledge-sharing opportunities on business formalities to realize their full economic potential and contribute to their countries’ national development.
The “Gender and Investment Climate Reform Assessments” show a dominant practice of women operating businesses informally. Countries studied include Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu.
Evidence in the reports suggests that, while women’s level of economic opportunities varies across the region, common barriers do exist. The reports also find that many Pacific women are unable to access property, credit, and justice. As well, lack of knowledge and experience in dealing with business formalization processes, such as business and license registration, is a widespread problem.
See full Press Release.
Posts
