International Women's Day Expected to Be a Moment to Strengthen Women's Economic Empowerment

International Women’s Day 2026 is being observed today, Sunday 8 March. The G20 EMPOWER Alliance reiterates its commitment to strengthening collaboration between governments, the business world, and global Advocates networks in driving more measurable, inclusive, and sustainable economic empowerment for women, in Rinawati Prihatiningsih’s written statement. “Since its launch in 2019, the G20 EMPOWER Alliance has continued to develop into a strategic global platform for promoting female leadership, women’s entrepreneurship, and a more inclusive ecosystem,” she added. “Indonesia’s presidency in 2022 marked a crucial milestone, when women entrepreneurs and women-led SMEs were for the first time mobilised as the main drivers of economic growth. This was achieved through strengthening initiatives such as the Best Practice Playbook, Showcase Women-Led Businesses, and the KPI Dashboard G20 EMPOWER,” she said. Under the South Africa presidency, the G20 EMPOWER Alliance adopted the theme ‘UHURU - Women Building Sustainable Income and Financial Independence.’ The theme has three main focuses: female leadership, strengthening women-owned enterprises and inclusive procurement, and expanding digital inclusion and STEAM. She also highlighted several challenges still faced by women in the global economy. “The 2025 Communiqué highlights the continuing financing gap for women-owned enterprises, the low representation of women in decision-making, and the importance of accelerating access to the digital economy,” she said.