The figures are alarming; today, about three-quarters of all men participate in the labor force, but the proportion of women is only 1 in 5. This gender gap harms economic development, hinders the efficient allocation of resources, and limits the workforce.

The world has rarely been in a more difficult situation. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, causing greater economic damage, even in the richest countries. Food insecurity is on the rise, and climate change is making this problem worse.

To overcome threats of this magnitude, the global economy must run at full throttle; growth is slowing almost everywhere. By the end of 2024, the population of more than 1 in 4 developing countries will still be, on average, poorer than it was before the pandemic.

Yet in most countries, policymakers continue to sideline a potentially transformative economic force: women.

Women make up half of the world's population. Yet they are conspicuously absent from decision-making positions, undermining economic resilience.

The time has come to create a level playing field for women. The world's ability to break out of the economic stagnation seen in the 2020s depends on it.

Translated by: A.M