Get2Equal Myan

completed

In Myanmar, women’s participation in the labor force is significantly lower than men’s. Approximately 59 percent of women aged 15 and over are employed, compared to 84 percent of men (World Bank). In addition, there is low female business ownership and women are less visible in leadership, occupying lower-ranking positions than men. Myanmar’s democratic transition presents a solid opportunity for the private sector to capitalize on the tangible benefits of a more equitable workforce. The goal of Get2Equal is to close employment gaps between men and women in Myanmar by demonstrating the business case for the private sector to invest in gender equality. The case for gender equality is compelling. Gender equality is good for business and is also associated with improved national economic growth, increased organizational performance, better ability to attract and retain talent and enhanced firm reputation. Get2Equal is part of a regional program which focuses on engaging lead firms in strategic and high growth sectors to achieve gender equality. The project seeks to support companies in Myanmar with tools, experience and capacity to develop business solutions to close the gender gap. It will concentrate on improving the capacity of business to attract female talent into sectors and jobs not traditionally held by women; retain female talent in the jobs including once they have children; and develop female talent into management positions. The project will deliver impact by: 1) developing industry- and country-specific research to capture evidence on gender gaps and solutions; 2) working directly with clients that have strategic relevance in key sectors; and 3) creating opportunities for companies to benefit from peer learning.