In 93 countries across the globe, it is legal to pay women less than men for the same job. This is just one example of the many ways women are denied economic equality. These disparities not only affect women but also have consequences for their children, families and communities as a whole. The United Nations has emphasized that closing the gender gap, whether in wages or access to resources such as loans and capital, could potentially boost the $7 trillion global economy.
As world leaders gather in Washington, D.C., at meetings hosted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, these questions are at the forefront of discussions. One advocate for a fairer economy is Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports NewsHour.
Melinda Gates is committed to addressing these economic disparities and promoting gender equality. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that women have equal opportunities in the workforce and access to financial resources. In her role at the Gates Foundation, she works to create a more inclusive and just global economy. It is critical that we address these challenges to create a fairer society for women and their families around the world.