FDI and Women Empowerment

Multinationals (MNEs) can be an influential force for gender equality when they set good examples in the countries where they operate. The adoption by MNEs of explicit non-discrimination policies ensuring equality in hiring practices, pay and promotion opportunities across their networks of affiliates is an important starting point for a positive impact. Through FDI, MNEs can further support women’s empowerment in host economies by affecting labour markets, influencing cultural norms and abating discriminatory practices. This high-level panel will discuss policy measures and initiatives that can ensure foreign investment translates into real benefits for women.

Session themes:

• Do the benefits associated with FDI also translate into more gender-equal labour market outcomes across industries? How does this occur?
• What types of policies, at both the national and international levels, can maximize the positive effect of FDI on gender equality in host countries?
• What is the role of responsible investment principles and corporate social responsibility standards in furthering women’s empowerment beyond the confines of MNEs themselves?