Women’s Control over Economic Resources and Access to Financial Resources, including Microfinance

This World Survey of the Role of Women in Development, published by DESA in Oct. 2009, addresses the ability of women to control and access economic and financial resources such as land, housing, employment, and social protection.

"Long-standing inequalities in the gender distribution of economic and financial resources have placed women at a disadvantage relative to men in their capability to participate
in, contribute to and benefit from broader processes of development. Despite considerable
progress on many aspects of women’s economic empowerment...deeply entrenched inequality persists as a result of discriminatory norms and practices, and the pace of change has been slow and uneven across regions. Women continue to be absent from key decision-making forums shaping the allocation of economic and financial resources and opportunities, which further perpetuates gender inequality."