According to the Women’s International Network, women do 66 percent of the world’s work for 5 percent of the world’s income.
In developing countries, gender inequality in employment is driven by:
- women’s reliance on informal employment and small business
- gender gaps in earnings
- high levels of occupational segregation
Women’s low status exposes them to insecure and often hazardous working conditions as well as high levels of risk and exploitation, including sexual abuse and trafficking.

Kantha Shakthi Mobilisers
Income generating activities can be an important component of a sustainable livelihood for women and their families. They contribute to reducing women’s vulnerability and enabling their participation in economic life.
IWDA recognises that the most successful and effective models of sustainable income generation for women occur when a holistic development approach is adopted by communities, policy makers, and governments.
Working with our program partners, IWDA will invest in models and initiatives that improve women’s quality of life and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, that are also environmentally sustainable.







