A Woman's Worth: Accounting for Women in the Global Market

This article discusses how international sustainable development goals will not be reached until the economic disadvantages experienced by women are addressed. Examining post-colonial Africa, the author notes several outcomes of the undervaluing of a woman's labour: women engage in "invisible work" of caring for their families, they trade in "informal markets" and are vulnerable when free trade increases, and they are frequently excluded from private land ownership schemes. Despite increasing regional and international recognition of the socioeconomic role of women, disparity continues between written commitments and practical realities. The author recommends targeted investment in initiatives that are shown to improve women's status and opportunities, explicit inclusion of the economic role and impact of women in policy discussions, and addressing female inequality through international trade mechanisms and incentives for companies who contribute to gender equality. Long- term sustainable development will only be achieved by taking action to improve the economic realities of women.