Each video of the four-part “Future of Work for Women Summit” series includes a research talk to ground us in data, followed by a panel discussion and then a lighting showcase that will focus on different organizations that are implementing on-ground solutions around increasing women’s agency. The goal is to bring evidence, cross-sector perspectives and grassroots initiative around the supply side and demand side constraints and solutions to increase women’s labor force participation.
The third part of the series will focus on the Demand side constraints and solutions – what is happening on the employer side when it comes to hiring and keeping women in the workforce. Lisa Ho presents her research on Maternity Leave Policies Make Women More Expensive for Firms followed by a panel discussion on The Business Case for Hiring and Retaining Women Across Industries (Technology, Manufacturing, Maritime) and a lightning showcase on Accelerating Women’s Workforce Participation in India Towards a $30 Trillion Economy. This video includes the keynote speech delivered by Mrs. Smriti Irani.
Recorded on April 18, 2025.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
Millions of women worldwide are eager to work but face unique barriers (196 million in India). Tradeoff between job opportunities and traditional household roles often limits women’s access to employment. This gender gap in labor force participation, especially in low-income countries, restricts economic growth and limits women’s financial independence.
The summit brought together business leaders, researchers, policymakers, philanthropists, and nonprofit pioneers. Through shared insights and strategic partnerships, we aim to drive the future of women’s work across sectors.
The summit focused on the following five practical solutions that have potential, specifically in South Asia:
– Changing social norms around men’s roles in domestic and caregiving responsibilities.
– Leveraging technology to create flexible work arrangements.
– Reducing employment-specific costs for women.
– Upskilling and educating women to enhance productivity.
– Establishing programs to lower childcare and transportation barriers.
The keynote talks were delivered by Rohini Pande, Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center at Yale University, and Smriti Irani, former Minister of Women and Child Development of India.
For more detail about this summit, visit: https://cvent.me/7ZGww1