Former Indian Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani talks gender parity with World Bank officials

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Smriti Irani, a former Indian cabinet minister, addressed leaders of the World Bank in Washington, DC, Monday, September 16, 2024, about the importance of expanding gender equity in India and throughout the Global South.

“In order to expand our global competitiveness, leaders of government and commerce throughout the Global South must ensure that gender equity policies are fully implemented,” Irani is quoted saying in a press release. “Education, healthcare, childcare, and housing policies disproportionately impact women – especially in developing and growing economies like ours. It is critical that we get the policy right so that women and girls can help lead government and industry, while also fulfilling their personal potential.”

Irani is with the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, (globalgoodalliance.in) a privately funded, India-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) working to empower women across the globe achieve their economic potential.

While addressing the World Bank leaders, Irani spoke directly to the issues of gender parity in the Global South and to the importance of engaging both political and corporate leadership. She specifically mentioned India’s work to advance education policy, expand programs investing in women-led enterprises and shift cultural mindsets towards women as issues core to gender equity.

“Our region of the world is growing in terms of population, economic output, and global influence, so it is incumbent upon us – as leaders – to have the foresight, will, and commitment to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to meet her or his potential,” Irani said.

She plans to continue meeting with government and business leaders in Washington, DC, over the next several days to discuss her priorities for gender equity. Visit www.GlobalGoodAlliance.in to learn more about the Alliance for Global Good.