In South Asia’s poorest countries, empowering women is essential to reducing poverty

There are millions of such inspiring, independent women across South Asia—especially in the poorest countries, which are served by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

Hartwig Schafer |
Digital Development, Education, Gender, Jobs & Development, Poverty, Social Protection

Three ways to jumpstart a resilient recovery in countries affected by fragility and conflict

For the world’s poorest people, COVID-19 has brought an unparalleled social and economic shock. And for those living in countries affected by fragility and conflict, the challenge is compounded.…

Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Stefan Emblad |
Climate Change, Education, Fragility Conflict and Violence, Gender, Jobs & Development, Social Protection

Hope for the world’s poorest springs in Myanmar

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, state counselor of Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize winner, told representatives from governments rich and poor at a meeting this week in Myanmar that reducing poverty and…

Axel van Trotsenburg |
Climate Change, Fragility Conflict and Violence, Gender

A Lesson from Malala: Girls’ Education Pays Off

When I heard the news last autumn that 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan had been shot simply for standing up for her right as a girl to get an education, I was horrified. It also reminded…

Sri Mulyani Indrawati |
Education, Gender