The 2013 G(irls) 20 Summit
This year, the conference was held in Moscow, Russia, where the delegates discussed the “opportunities gained when business, economic and social policy is conceived of and structured in a way that maximizes a woman’s productive ability, and opportunities lost when global investment in girls and women is overlooked.” In short – the importance of investing in women, and ensuring they are able to participate in the economic market.
Three components were identified as critical to the economic advancement of women:
1. Economic decision making
2. Economic self-confidence and efficacy
3. Access to critical economic resources
These factors can only become reality when women and girls have the freedom to achieve their potential. However, currently only one in five girls in developing countries are able to complete primary school, and according to the WHO, 39,000 child marriages occur every day. If this trend continues, women and girls will never be given the option of pursuing a career, or even an education.
The delegates of the summit outlined clear and attainable steps for world leaders to take to effectively reduce forced child marriage, and open up economic opportunities for women.
“It is imperative that governments worldwide, led by the G20 nations, acknowledge and take proactive steps to improve the potential for women to be economically viable in every society around the globe.”
Women can no longer be ignored and dismissed as intelligent and participating citizens of the world. Time and again it has been proven that women and girls are the catalyst to successful development, and the issue of economic independence is essential. Without
The delegates of the G(irls) 20 Summit outlined their recommendations for the G20 nations in an inspiring Communique published at the end of the summit. Their recommendations can be read in full here.
These young, powerful women are incredible examples of what can be achieved when the world listens to a woman.
Sabrina Rubli
