Women Business and the Law

Mobility Indicator

“Women Business and the Law 2023” is the ninth World Bank Group publication in a series of submissions dedicated to bridging the gender gap. The study explored the economic opportunities women access in 190 countries and the legal factors that intercept or promote their mobility. In countries where women move freely and can delegate family responsibilities, they grow economically while the reverse applies in countries with restrictions.

Summary

Mobility indicators at the World Bank Group confirm that men and women enjoy different freedoms of movement in various countries. The source espouses that mobility translates into financial empowerment (World Bank Group 24).  Laws and regulations confine women more than they restrict men. In countries such as Uganda, it took an extended period for the government to lift a law that foresaw women seeking permission from their spouses before they traveled. Other restrictions limited access to travel documents while others never reassured females of safety in their travel destinations. The World Bank Group established that in 34 economies, women cannot determine where to settle, 55 other countries curtail their freedom while 10 nations restrict women from traveling abroad, and in 28 states females had to provide additional documentation besides a passport to travel (26). The statistics indicate improvements in regulations, generating an assumption that women never enjoyed travel or work opportunities in the past.

            The article is very critical of the Gulf region where gender equality remains a controversial subject since inception. The World Bank Group quotes Saudi Arabia and Egypt among other Middle East and North African countries that show an improvement in their treatment of women since the 1970s to date (73). Notably, countries bridge the gender gap in different dispensations. In countries that exercise laxity in removing barriers for women, economic slowdown happens. The World Bank Group does not expect countries to move at the same pace, although it advocates for changes in the treatment of married and pregnant women. The institution reinforces that it is wrong to dismiss a pregnant and productive woman whose contribution to a workplace is invaluable.

            The discussion takes a different direction following the involvement of countries such as Eritrea and Ethiopia, arguing that they have made significant milestones in their reform agenda. Unlike critical players in the Middle East and North Africa region, the two instituted laws to protect women against sexual violence in workplaces. Although the countries effected the change in 1991, the United States and Austria respectively instituted such provisions between 1981 and 1982. The disparities indicate why women in the two western states rarely face travel constraints, which could disrupt employment and business. There is optimism for continuous growth since 162 countries passed legislation to stop violence against women. Cote d’Ivoire and the Republic of Congo were part of the group that supported the changes (World Bank Group 73). The impressive changes that occurred in 2022 are a step in the right direction. Women play an essential role in various economies. Countries that place travel embargoes on women risk financial drawbacks, which explains World Bank’s call to action.

            The informative publication shares insightful aspects of women’s empowerment and growth. It identifies mobility as a principle shaper of an economy that expects women to enjoy financial freedom.  It covers every facet of society on matters about women. The comprehensive piece explains why societies should prioritize the mobility of women if they need to experience holistic development.

Work Cited

World Bank Publications. Women, Business and the Law 2023. United States, 2023.