The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for ERBG-PRACTICE-4

Jan. 29, 2024, 6:01 p.m.
Countries: India
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4, IAW-LAW-1

"In terms of government-recognized documentation, many widowed women need to carry their husbands’ names to avail of social security benefits, including those from welfare schemes or from their husbands’ pensions. In 2016, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, a branch under the Indian government, released a 'comprehensive social protection mechanism plan' to address these issues. However, little has transpired since, and many women, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, have to rely on parents to secure address proof so that they can open bank accounts or take out loans" (para 6).
Jan. 19, 2024, 12:06 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"The implementing decree of the [ Commercial Code], which was adopted on 14 December 2016, is currently being drafted" (17). This code requires all traders, men and women, to be treated equally (MV-coder comment).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"The Ministry of Lands and Housing has aligned their administration arrangements and practice with the law to afford married women equal chance with men to own land. There is need to continue public education to promote knowledge on the right to land ownership and strengthen capacity to challenge malpractice in land allocation. Deliberate effort and progressive exposure by Dikgosi [chiefs] to systematically address gender discrimination through the customary justice system have led to narrowing the gap between application of customary and common law. This has resulted in increased awarding of inheritance to women, which would have traditionally been given to men" (20-21). This suggests that there are still some barriers...more
Nov. 3, 2023, 11:41 a.m.
Countries: South Korea
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“According to the latest government data, 46% of female workers are in non-permanent contract work, compared to just 30% of men" (para 31).
Sept. 30, 2023, 4 p.m.
Countries: Kazakhstan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts to improve its institutional and policy framework aimed at accelerating the elimination of discrimination against women and promoting gender equality, such as the following: Forum for rural women to increase the social activities of rural women and promote entrepreneurship by women, held in 2018" (p.2). "The Committee welcomes the progress made by the State party in promoting access for women to employment. It also notes that discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under article 6 (2) of the Labour Code. However, the Committee is concerned that the following factors impede the full achievement of equality at work: (a) The reports of discrimination in...more
Sept. 7, 2023, 9:28 a.m.
Countries: Kenya
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Another limiting factor for women could be the often bureaucratic registration processes. Given that other societal and family obligations are borne by women, more men are able to attend to these procedures, often located at government premises. Lastly, the other constraint might be the lack of access to other property that could be converted or help facilitate access to cash for business registration. Historical gender inequalities in terms of property ownership exacerbate the inequality problem by hindering access to funding which is necessary for business establishment and formalisation" (para 10).
Sept. 7, 2023, 9:20 a.m.
Countries: Kenya
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Raising start-up capital is one of the biggest challenges for women entrepreneurs in Kenya’s key manufacturing sector, with banks requiring collateral that most of them do not have" (para 1). "Most women work or run businesses in the informal economy, and face numerous difficulties including pay and promotion disparities as well as obstacles in accessing information, technology and finance to expand their enterprises" (para 3). "As a result, most women-owned manufacturing businesses are still micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the informal sector - unable to grow and enter the formal economy" (para 5).
Aug. 31, 2023, 9:21 a.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"A lack of identity documentation can also limit women’s mobility, land ownership, access to finance, and employment opportunities, as illustrated by the cases of Afghanistan" (41).
Aug. 25, 2023, 2:25 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"In October, the Chinese government released the 2019 National Civil Service Positions List (para 4)... Among the nearly 10,000 job postings – some of which were for multiple vacancies – in the 2019 list, Human Rights Watch found that 14 percent of postings specify a preference for male applicants and five percent specify a requirement for male applicants. Conversely, there are no postings stating a requirement or preference for female applicants" (para 5).
Aug. 15, 2023, 5:22 p.m.
Countries: Bahamas
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Women were generally free from economic discrimination, and the law provides for equal pay for equal work. The law provides for the same legal status and rights for women as for men; however, women reported it was more difficult for them to qualify for credit and to own a business" (12).
Aug. 15, 2023, 6:17 a.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure the necessary human, technical and financial resources to implement existing plans aimed at promoting entrepreneurial activities among women, particularly women living in rural areas, and regularly monitor the impact of these plans on the economic empowerment of women" (13).
Aug. 8, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"The absence of measures, including temporary special measures and targeted programmes, to support women’s entrepreneurship and promote their economic empowerment [is a concern]… The lack of information on loan schemes and other forms of financial credit for women and the lack of specific training on entrepreneurial skills [is also a concern]" (11). "[T]argeted measures, including skills training and technical education, and facilitate women’s access to loans and other forms of financial credit, in order to support and stimulate women’s entrepreneurship and promote their economic empowerment, in particular in rural areas [are not adopted]" (12). These aims are not developed (MV- coder comment).
July 21, 2023, 11:58 a.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"No limitation is applied for women in their entrepreneurial activities by the national legislation, and at the same time, special privileges and exemptions are defined in relation to women. Entrepreneurs enjoy equal opportunities in implementing their rights without setting any sexual discrimination and preference in issues ranging from the State registration of entrepreneurial activities to issuance of licenses and permits, from tax obligations and audits to the restoration of violated rights etc" (28). "In the framework of collaboration between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the relevant Ministry of Germany, 384 local entrepreneurs and managers (including 79 women entrepreneurs) have been seconded to Germany to pass...more
July 14, 2023, 11:13 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"On May 7, 2019, the State Agro Trade Company has started the project of Azerbaijani Women with Agricultural Activities (AFAG) jointly with UN FAO. The aim of project is to facilitate the access of women to the markets to sell their products, form female entrepreneurs that can build their businesses in agriculture, increase their knowledge in marketing and sales and help them to create their small production enterprises and greenhouses. This project will open up more opportunities of women ’s access to markets, employment, information and resources. It will create the conditions to improve social and economic livelihoods of women" (34).
July 14, 2023, 11:11 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"To increase knowledge and skills of female entrepreneurs and inform them about those that have already started their activities, during the years of 2007–2018, Baku Business Training Center of the Ministry of Economy has organized 1227 training courses, seminars, round tables for newly formed entrepreneurs… 9,160 out of [the 35,320 persons who attended these events] were women entrepreneurs and those that have newly started business activities. Also, the Baku Business Training Center and its representatives have organized 88 training courses, seminars, round tables and other events in Baku and districts with the participation of foreign and local experts in 2018. 2500 persons have participated at all those events. 570 out...more
July 14, 2023, 11:10 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"[A]lmost 100 women have participated at the [Azerbaijani Rural Investment Project (ARIP)] in 2018 and new businesses were established. They are allocated five year long loans in the amount of AZN5,000 (approximately USD2,947). This project has organized zonal gender workshops in districts, and each event has attracted 100 women from 44 communities into training" (31). "The measures are also undertaken to help women living in remote and mountainous areas of the country and in territories of temporary living of IDPS to start their private businesses and farms. As a result, we observe an increasing number of female entrepreneurs in recent years" (32).
July 14, 2023, 11:09 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"During 2015–2018, 494 women have obtained leasing based agricultural machines on the basis of contracts signed... AZN772,5 thousand (approximately USD455,3 thousand) of [privileged loans in the amount of AZN10983,5 (approximately USD6474,2)] is provided to 13 women entrepreneurs. For the gardening area of women entrepreneurs, 2 of them have received the loans of AZN65,0 thousand (approximately USD38,314), 2 persons – AZN210,0 thousand (approximately USD123,784) for plant cultivation, 8 women – AZN399,5 thousand (approximately USD235,485) in cattle breeding and 1 woman – AZN98,0 thousand (approximately USD57,766) for fruit growing... AMAL (this project of Increasing Agricultura l Employment was launched on 30 October 2018) has the main objective which is to support the...more
July 14, 2023, 11:08 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"[T]he investment promotion mechanisms are created in accordance with the Decree 745 of 18 January 2016 on Additional Measures for Investments Promotion signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to support the creation of new industrial enterprises and attract investments to local investment areas. It is also aimed at creation of favorable climate granting tax and customs privileges to legal persons and individual entrepreneurs in area of industrial production. Women benefit in particular of this support to develop their businesses" (29). "To help women to run entrepreneurial activities, 22 women were invited to the Entrepreneurship Basics courses organized by the State Employment Service under the Ministry of Labor...more
July 10, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"In terms of sex disaggregated data, the National Bureau of Statistics, MOGFSS and the international development partners have significantly closed the gap in understanding where women are engaged economically, what are their needs, and what are the attitudes of society in terms of women’s gradually changing public role in the country." (21)
June 26, 2023, 10:33 p.m.
Countries: Nepal
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Shrestha, 31, is among a new generation of Nepali women shattering societal expectations and the glass ceiling in Nepal’s male-dominated mountaineering industry. Not only has she climbed seven of Nepal’s 8,000m-plus peaks, she completed them in four years and eight months, becoming the fastest Nepali woman to do so. Now she has her sights set on becoming one of the few people in the world to complete the 14-summit challenge" (para.2).
June 26, 2023, 6:45 p.m.
Countries: India
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"In India’s capital territory, you’re not likely to find many, if any, female taxi drivers. For Delhi’s young professional women, that’s become a problem. Last year a male Uber driver raped a female passenger, generating a fiery debate about the safety of women on New Delhi’s roads" (para3). "Varma has tried to talk some of her female friends into becoming taxi drivers—with little success. 'Even if the girl wants to, oftentimes families have an issue with it,' she says. That’s where Sakha offers support. 'For a girl who is going out of the house for the first time, it’s a big step.' " (para.17).
June 14, 2023, 7:56 p.m.
Countries: Bolivia
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Specific financial programmes were implemented that benefit women, such as the Seed Capital Fund, in which a large number of women entrepreneurs, technicians and professionals, and micro and small production units, received basic funding for micro and small productive units" (26). Specific programs could indicate a gender discrimination in access to credit (MV-coder comment).
April 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Uzbekistan
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

The following instruments were of great significance over that period:...[T]he presidential decision of 7 March 2019 on measures to further strengthen guarantees of labour rights and support women’s entrepreneurial activity...(4)(NF - CODER COMMENT - The presidential decision to support women's entrepreneurial activities implies that society generally does not support female entreupreneurs or their activities.) "The equality of women before the law is ensured by the procuratorial authorities. Over the period 2016–2018 and the first half of 2019, 516 checks were carried out on the implementation of legislation to support and protect women’s rights. In relation to non-compliance, 735 objections and 647 proposals were submitted to eliminate violations of the law,...more
March 18, 2023, 10:20 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Universities are implementing programs to help female students that have not been able to academically progress. Some government universities have remedial programs that consist of short-term skill trainings in different areas like Information Technology (IT), surveying, hotel management, hairdressing and secretary in TVET Colleges. This intervention helps female students to start their own business or get employment. During the remedial program, female students are provided with dormitory and cafeteria service at the University" (15).
March 16, 2023, 3:33 a.m.
Countries: Hungary, Russia
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“These problems appear similar to those faced by female-headed businesses in other CEE countries. For example, in Russia women entrepreneurs cited high taxes (90 per cent); an unstable legal environment (81 per cent); limited access to capital (67 per cent); corruption and racketeering (55 per cent), and the Mafia (40 per cent) as the major problems. However, in Hungary women mentioned that the major problems were in finding premises and equipment (40 per cent); lack of demand (40 per cent); need for capital (21 per cent); and high interest rates and taxes (17 per cent)” (41).
March 16, 2023, 3:32 a.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“Women entrepreneurs appear to have a restricted network structure. However, informal sources of information are used more often than formal ones, no matter whether the question is about internal and external markets, or about specific information for the management of a firm. More women entrepreneurs contact their friends and families (59 per cent); their clients (51 per cent); their partners (41 per cent), and business collaborators (37 per cent), than business associations, chambers of commerce or women’s NGOs. Only a small percentage (8 per cent) stated that they would consult other businesswomen. Businesswomen active in the hotels and restaurants management, in particular, rely on personal contacts (73 per cent of...more
March 15, 2023, 4:58 a.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“The survey indicates that women-owned companies start with less capital than men’s businesses. In 56 per cent of surveyed cases, companies owned by women were established with less than US$1,000 of start-up capital. Approximately 28 per cent of surveyed firms were established with between US$ 1,000 and US$ 5,000, and only 8 per cent were founded with over US$ 10,000. One possible reason for this discrepancy is that women may ask for a smaller amount of capital. There are various reasons for this, as women tend to start in sectors where less capital is required (i.e. trade or services) and they tend to be more averse to risk” (33). “In...more
March 14, 2023, 7:28 a.m.
Countries: Albania, Hungary, Russia
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“In Albania, 40 per cent of women-owned companies used family savings to start-up their enterprise; in Hungary this figure is approximately 26 per cent. In contrast, 22 per cent of Russian businesswomen used formal sources (a bank credit), which is higher than in any of the other transition countries documented.”
March 8, 2023, 1:43 p.m.
Countries: Montenegro
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

"Women remain under-represented on the boards of directors of public agencies and administrations, and are less represented in management positions in public enterprises and legal entities with high financial power and profitable business operations. Their presence is growing in lower decision-making positions, especially in executive positions with no influence on decision-making. Roma and Egyptian women, women with disabilities, and members of other vulnerable groups are visibly absent from public and political life" (16). "[O]ne in two citizens believes that successful business women must inevitably neglect their families" (32).
Feb. 22, 2023, 1:05 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-4

“Opportunity-driven entrepreneurship is slightly higher among women than men in Bulgaria and the gap in participation in early-stage entrepreneurial activities is much lower than the EU average. Nonetheless, it is estimated that gender gaps remain significant in participation in self-employment, part-time employment; entrepreneurship and decision-making processes” (26). “The under-representation of women among entrepreneurs and managers can be attributed to gender specific challenges and empirical research indicates a gender gap in perception of barriers to business creation. Obstacles often cited by women include a lack of business idea and difficulties combining self-employment with family responsibilities” (26). “Indeed, Bulgarian women still bear most of responsibility of care for family and dependents, limiting...more