The elimination of gender inequalities and the empowerment of women and girls in all aspects of life will make a crucial contribution to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as a catalyst to accelerate overall sustainable development.

Studies have shown that women’s economic empowerment can raise economic productivity, reduce infant and maternal mortality, improve nutrition, promote health, increase the chances of education for future generations, and help advance women’s rights. To accelerate progress in the years ahead, we have a shared responsibility to recognize women as vital development agents and identify transformative solutions that will remove the barriers to the realization of their full economic potential.

Inclusive Economic Local Development (IELD) is a joint UNCDF, UNDP and UN Women initiative which aims at supporting governments and the private sector at the local level to design, plan, implement and sustain local public and private investments, with a particular emphasis on unlocking barriers to women’s economic empowerment.