The World Bank Group has announced its goal to enable 300 million additional women to access broadband by 2030, unlocking essential services, financial inclusion, education, and job opportunities.

This objective, part of the bank’s “Gender Strategy 2030” launched at the 2024 World Bank Annual Meetings, will center on improving broadband access, social protections, and access to capital to enhance women’s global economic participation.

World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized that empowering women economically not only boosts the global economy but also supports families and communities. As part of this initiative, the bank will collaborate with financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulators to address gender biases in lending and strengthen support for female entrepreneurs through increased credit access and equity.

Further efforts will include partnerships with development finance institutions and the launch of gender bonds and financial instruments to mobilize resources for gender-related reforms. The bank cited ongoing projects, such as a multi-country initiative across 15 African nations, aimed at addressing challenges in digital access, high data costs, and limited digital skills.