Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses and schools have closed adding responsibilities for families to maintain work, children’s education and entertainment at home with 70% of women, according Morning Consult survey, stating they have full responsibility for schoolwork and 66% for childcare.
With businesses embracing the role of technology in the workforce, this digital shift provided the flexibility that working mothers wanted for years. The B20 Saudi Arabia has been working on recommendations and policies, such as enhancing the digital infrastructure and strengthening cyber-security as digitalization in the workforce increases, that will cultivate an inclusive, flexible workforce and lead to positive impact on the future of work for women.
The B20 Saudi Arabia is also acknowledging the significance of promoting leadership and entrepreneurial potential for women and is working on policy recommendations that support women-owned businesses and startups, especially micro, small and medium businesses that are vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic. According to a study by Boston Consulting Group, if the percentage of women in the workforce increases to an equal percentage of men, the global GDP would increase by 3-6% ($2.5-5 trillion USD).
The B20 Presidency encourages governments and the international business ecosystem to create an inclusive environment and cultivate women entrepreneurs to facilitate the development and potential of women in business.
