Human Rights and Governance Archives

Progress Has Stalled in Closing the Mobile Internet Gender Gap; Why Does it Matter, and What Can We Do?

Claire Sibthorpe from the GSMA explores how progress in closing the mobile internet gender gap has stalled, with women 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet. She highlights key barriers including handset affordability and digital skills, and the $1.3 trillion GDP opportunity. Urgent, targeted action from stakeholders is needed to prevent women being left behind digitally.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Equity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Technology

June 27, 2025

Unlocking the “Missing Middle”: A New Agenda to De-risk Youth Entrepreneurship and Drive Economic Growth

Youth Business International (YBI), the global leader in youth entrepreneurship, is calling for urgent action to support high-growth potential youth-led businesses trapped in the “missing middle.” YBI’s new policy paper sets out strategies to de-risk youth entrepreneurship and unlock sustainable economic growth, job creation, and innovation — particularly among underrepresented youth, women, and businesses outside traditional tech hubs.

Business, Corporate Impact, Employment and Jobs, Engaging Employees, Financial Inclusion, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Youth

June 26, 2025

Turning Potential into Prosperity – How Business Can Help Refugees Thrive

In partnership with Visa Inc, Business Fights Poverty launched yesterday a new report, at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, calling for the private sector and governments to recognise the economic potential of refugees and to support approaches that work for refugees and host communities.

Business, Business Purpose, Corporate Impact, Economic Development, Equity and Inclusion, Finance and Investment, Financial Inclusion, Global Goals, Innovative Business Models, Livelihoods and Jobs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Refugees and Migration, Social Enterprises

June 26, 2025

Turning Potential into Prosperity

This report explores how refugee entrepreneurship can drive inclusive economic growth across Europe, highlighting the untapped potential of refugees as innovators, job creators, and contributors to local economies. Drawing on expert workshops, lived experience, and case studies from across the continent, it examines the systemic barriers refugee entrepreneurs face—from regulatory and financial hurdles to social and political exclusion. A practical resource for policymakers, businesses, and civil society actors committed to economic inclusion and resilience. With Visa and Business Fights Poverty.

Refugees and Migration

June 25, 2025

Online Gender-Based Violence Limits Global Economic Growth, Research Reveals.

Online gender-based violence (GBV) is driving women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) offline, shrinking markets, profits and global economic growth. This MSME Day, we’re calling for the private sector to take urgent action to address this issue and create a more inclusive digital business world. Our new research with Intuit and the World Bank’s ‘Women, Business, and the Law’ project sheds light on how.

Business Purpose, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Economic Development, Gender, Gender-Based Violence, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises, Technology

June 25, 2025

How Garment, Footwear and Textile Businesses Can Improve Women Workers’ Career Advancement

Despite making up the majority of the garment, footwear, and textile workforce, women are vastly underrepresented in leadership and technical roles. A new RISE report explores how businesses can unlock flexible, inclusive pathways for career advancement—boosting retention, equity, and resilience. From fair promotion systems to childcare support, the solutions are practical, scalable, and urgent.

Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Employment and Jobs, Equity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Livelihoods and Jobs, Responsible Business

June 17, 2025

Reducing Child Labour in Palm Oil: A Model for Business-NGO Collaboration

A pioneering partnership between Planting Naturals, APT Action on Poverty, and MAPCO has reduced child labour by 70% in Sierra Leone’s palm oil sector. By combining ethical sourcing, community-led development, and inclusive finance, this collaboration shows how businesses and NGOs can drive sustainable change through shared responsibility and grassroots engagement.

Agriculture, Corporate Impact, Global Goals, Human Rights and Governance, Partnerships, Responsible Business, Sustainable Development

May 29, 2025

Closing the Healthcare Gap: Scaling Hybrid Solutions for Low-income Communities

Hybrid healthcare models—combining in-person and digital care—are closing critical gaps in low-income communities. The Swiss Re Foundation’s Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2026 programme is now accepting applications from ventures using this hybrid approach. Selected finalists will receive funding, technical support, and visibility to help scale impact and deliver essential care where it’s needed most.

Finance and Investment, Health, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Technology

May 28, 2025

Financial Inclusion & Women Entrepreneurs with Nguyet and Tanvi

What are the real-world impacts of inclusive economic development, gender equity, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship? Social Impact Pioneers Nguyet Tran Thi Minh in Vietnam and Tanvi Jaluka in California.

Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Finance and Investment, Financial Inclusion, Gender, Poverty

May 7, 2025

Power Through Partnerships: How Learning Networks Drive Success for Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs are vital to economic growth, yet continue to face persistent barriers—especially in accessing finance. This article explores how Learning Networks, like WE Connect in Vietnam, bring together ecosystem actors to co-create practical solutions. Through shared knowledge, innovation, and partnership, these networks can drive inclusive finance and long-term success for women-led enterprises.

Business, Economic Development, Equity, Gender, Livelihoods and Jobs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

May 6, 2025

Our Path to Sustainability Must Include Women: Lessons from Cotton Farming and Climate Resilience

Women play a vital yet often overlooked role in agriculture and climate resilience. CottonConnect CEO Alison Ward highlights how women cotton farmers are disproportionately impacted by climate change—and why they must be central to sustainability strategies. Through education, training, and recognition, women can lead transformative climate action from the ground up.

Agriculture, Climate & Environment, Climate Justice, Gender, Livelihoods and Jobs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises

April 25, 2025

When Opportunity Knocks: Three Keys for Creating Inclusive Growth through Sales-Agent Models

Sales agent models have the potential to improve access to goods and services while creating economic opportunity for women and youth. Drawing on work from Rwanda and Mozambique, TechnoServe’s Sophie Duchanoy and Sarah Bove share three key factors in making these approaches work.

Agriculture, Diversity, Equity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Health, Innovative Business Models, Livelihoods and Jobs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Poverty, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development, Technology, Youth

April 22, 2025

Business-NGO Partnerships for Social Impact, With Diageo and Care

How can business-NGO partnerships for social impact tackle climate, gender, and economic challenges together? Diageo and CARE share lessons from their work with smallholder farmers—offering five actionable insights for inclusive, sustainable impact.

Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Poverty, Technology

April 18, 2025

Mobile Technology and International Development with Max Cuvellier

How can mobile technology drive social impact? Max Cuvellier of GSMA shares how mobile innovation is advancing inclusion, gender equality, and climate resilience in underserved communities.

Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender, Poverty, Technology

April 16, 2025

Digital Work and Refugees: How Businesses Can Tackle Poverty and Displacement Through Opportunity

With over 120 million displaced people worldwide, the digital economy offers an untapped opportunity to connect refugees to meaningful work. This article explores how businesses can close global talent gaps by integrating refugee workers through inclusive hiring and impact outsourcing. Featuring Na’amal Agency, it demonstrates how digital work can drive business success and social equity.

Refugees and Migration, Technology

April 3, 2025

Exploring the AI opportunity in LMICs: Unlocking Funding and Inclusive Innovation

As AI advances globally, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) risk being left behind. Yet AI holds transformative potential for addressing local challenges—from healthcare to climate resilience. This article explores the funding gaps, structural barriers, and innovation potential in LMICs, calling for inclusive investment, infrastructure, and policy to ensure AI delivers for everyone, everywhere.

Business, Business Purpose, Corporate Impact, Innovative Business Models, Sustainable Development, Technology

April 1, 2025

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