Investing in women is smart economics, says Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University.
Investing in women is not just a matter of equality; it’s a strategic imperative to accelerate progress across the globe. Empowering women economically, through education, and in leadership roles has proven to deliver remarkable outcomes, including higher economic growth, greater organizational effectiveness, and increased innovation. When women are given equal opportunities to contribute and lead, they bring diverse perspectives and solutions that address complex challenges in unique and sustainable ways.
Education plays a pivotal role in this empowerment. Access to quality education for girls results in improved health, economic, and social outcomes not only for individual women but for future generations and communities at large.
In the workplace, fostering gender diversity has been linked to greater creativity, higher innovation, and better problem-solving abilities. Companies with diverse leadership teams report higher profitability and value creation, underscoring the economic imperative of investing in women.
Moreover, supporting female entrepreneurship catalyzes economic growth and drives job creation. Women-led businesses are known for their resilience and sustainability, contributing significantly to global GDP. However, women entrepreneurs often face barriers to financing and resources. Addressing these challenges by providing access to capital, networks, and mentorship is crucial for unleashing the full potential of women-led businesses.
In sum, investing in women is not just the right thing to do; it’s smart economics. Accelerating gender equality can unlock immense global progress, fostering more resilient and inclusive economies and societies.
Views expressed by Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab & Himachal Pradesh
