Since the United States last hosted APEC in 2011, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members have worked over the last decade to elevate women’s economic empowerment as a driver of inclusive economic growth. APEC economies have expanded women’s economic participation and opportunities across the region, including through increasing women’s access to capital and assets; improving access to markets; advancing women’s skills, capacity, and health; cultivating women’s leadership, voice, and agency; and enhancing innovation and technology. These efforts culminated in APEC endorsing the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth (2019-2030) to provide direction for APEC to drive greater women’s economic empowerment and sustainable economic growth. The United States has been a champion for supporting and expanding women’s economic empowerment in the region through numerous multi-year APEC initiatives, and our leadership will continue in APEC as we implement the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality . The United States helped launch the Women and the Economy sub-fund in 2017 which has supported 21 projects to support women’s economic participation and health since its inception. We have been a consistent supporter to the sub-fund, to ensure it remains a resource for economies to support increased women’s economic participation in APEC.
Women’s Economic Empowerment in APEC: Reflecting on a Decade of Impact (US Department of State)
Related articles
