“Women are the most underutilised economic asset in the global economy” – Angel Gurria Secretary-General OECD

The potential of any country to succeed in social, economic and environmental measures is wholly dependent upon their engagement with their female citizens. Increasingly, there is compelling evidence about women’s ability to drive the economic growth of a nation, as well as evidence of the social benefits that accrue to the entire nation as their incomes rise. Work that Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) has done over the last decade, in targeting women entrepreneurs for inclusion in vibrant market systems, underscores those findings.

Economists estimate that upwards of one billion women could enter the work force over the next ten years – and dramatically change the global economy. In developing countries, the change in position for many women entrepreneurs as they integrate and utilise market systems is profound and can be transformational for them, their families and their communities. Examples of breakthrough changes that stem from women’s participation in vibrant value chains in Afghanistan and Pakistan provide an interesting perspective on the degree to which economic improvement yields enhanced empowerment – demonstrated through political engagement, market position, and mentorship. The paper will look at the following:

• Political influence stems from increased incomes and status – it is an age-old reality. For women in Afghanistan, it is a rarity: case of District & Provincial Development Councils in Charikar, Afghanistan.
• Market systems can be a conduit and tool for empowerment – though economic strengthening is only part of the solution: case of glass bangles contractor in Hyderabad Pakistan.
• Success generates positive demonstration effects on neighbours, women & daughters: case of village milk collection agents in Bhai Pheru, Pakistan.