Women's economic participation could unlock massive growth.

Women's economic participation could unlock massive growth. Research shows closing the opportunity gap could boost GDP by up to 20 percent. Japan's experience proves this works: after removing workforce barriers in 2012, female labor participation jumped to 67 percent and 2.5 million additional women found employment by 2019. Yet developing economies face a critical challenge: 1.2 billion young people will enter labor markets over the next decade, but only 400 million jobs are expected to be created. Equal opportunities for women aren't just about fairness—they're essential economic strategy. The World Bank reports women now have two-thirds of men's legal rights, up from half two decades ago. However, implementation remains weak. Fewer than half the policies needed to enforce protections exist, and laws are applied only half the time.