Action Pathway
Women's Economic Opportunity
With countries in Asia and the Pacific seeking to grow their tech, digital, and local economies, women’s participation is central to achieving national aspirations and long-term growth. Yet millions of women in Asia and the Pacific continue to lack access to capital, markets, and training to enter the workforce, let alone start and grow businesses.
In many countries, cultural, social, or economic factors prevent women from completing school, learning digital skills, and accessing business and management training. Expanding opportunities for women and girls to pursue educations—particularly in STEM fields—compete for jobs, and start businesses is essential to sparking growth and building more resilient economies across the region.
APPROACH
We partner with governments, civil society, financial institutions, private sector companies, universities, and local organizations to expand women’s economic opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Drawing on deep country expertise and trusted regional networks, we design evidence-based initiatives that strengthen skills, improve access to finance and digital technologies, advance care systems, and create pathways into entrepreneurship, business development, and STEM careers for women. By adapting proven approaches to local contexts while connecting learning across countries, we and our partners help build stronger ecosystems that enable women to participate, lead, and thrive in rapidly changing economies.
featured programs
Creating Pathways for Women in STEM
To help more young women move from STEM education into careers, the STEM ConnectHER program links students and early-career women across Asia with mentoring, networks, and workplace opportunities.
Helping Women Build Financial Security
In rural West Kalimantan, we help women access the financial knowledge, trusted services, and economic opportunities they need to build more secure futures.
Expanding Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs
We help women-led small businesses in Malaysia access digital tools and financing so they can build stronger, more competitive businesses.
Helping Women Expand Their Businesses
Launched in 2016 as Mongolia’s first women-only entrepreneurial service center, the Women’s Business Center supports women as they start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
Latest Insights
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CARECON 2025: The New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference
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Striving Digitally: Understanding the Challenges of Malaysian Women Entrepreneurs
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Women’s Business Center and Incubator Project
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