Investing in women has been proven to generate tremendous returns, both economically and socially. Studies show that when women have access to education, healthcare and financial services, entire families and communities prosper. Yet globally, women continue to face discrimination and barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. By making the conscious decision to invest in women – through mentorship, angel investing, hiring, and workplace policies – we can unlock endless possibilities. When women rise, we all rise together. This article explores the vast benefits of investing in women and why it results in the greatest returns of all.
Investing in Women’s Education Lifts Nations
Educating girls and women is one of the highest return investments we can make. When girls attend school, they gain critical thinking skills, self-confidence and tools to earn an income. Education helps delay marriage and childbirth, reducing population growth and maternal mortality rates. Studies estimate that for each year of secondary education, a girl’s future wages increase by 10-20%. Educated women then invest more of their income into their families – on healthcare, food and education – helping end intergenerational cycles of poverty. Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is a powerful example of how education can transform a girl’s trajectory.
Women’s Economic Participation Spurs Innovation and Growth
When women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce, economies thrive. McKinsey estimates that if women participated equally to men, global GDP could increase by $28 trillion by 2025. Companies with greater gender diversity are also more innovative and profitable. By removing obstacles women face at work and implementing family-friendly policies, businesses can tap into women’s talents. Providing women access to financial services helps them become entrepreneurs and grow thriving businesses in their communities. High profile female founders like Sheryl Sandberg and Oprah Winfrey demonstrate how women build both financial and social capital.
Investing in Women’s Health Unlocks Human Potential
Funding women’s health initiatives is a direct investment in stronger, more prosperous communities. When women can access reproductive healthcare, they have greater control over family planning. Maternal and infant mortality rates plummet. Studies show birth rates fall, as women choose to have fewer, healthier children. Preventative screenings and treatments allow women to identify issues early, protecting their lives and ability to work. Bill and Melinda Gates’ global health foundation has made amazing progress resolving health crises facing women in developing nations.
Supporting Women Personally and Professionally Yields Dividends
From mentoring a young woman entering your field to investing in a female-owned startup, each of us can make an impact on an individual level. Speaking up when you see gender discrimination and implementing family-friendly policies in your workplace empowers women daily. Hiring and promoting qualified women into leadership positions changes corporate culture for the better. Male allies can encourage women to negotiate salaries, apply for promotions and believe in themselves. We all gain when women have a seat at the table. Be the investor that writes her a check and saves a chair.
The vast benefits of investing in women make it one of the wisest choices we can make. Unlocking women’s potential transforms families, communities, economies and our world for the better. While progress takes time, each small investment compounds to create lasting change.