The words charity and philanthropy are often used as if they mean the same thing. Yet, they represent different approaches to social impact. Both aim to tackle social issues, but they differ in how they work and the scale of their impact. In our latest blog with Devayani Clark, we dive into the ways charity and philanthropy differ, examples of both and why they are both necessary.
Sectors: Economic empowerment
The ripple effect of women’s economic empowerment
Empowering women financially doesn’t just benefit individuals—it transforms families, communities, and entire economies. According to the UN, women reinvest 90% of their income back into their families, compared to 35% by men. This reinvestment leads to better education for children, healthier households, and stronger communities. Furthermore, the World Bank highlights that women’s labour force participation in the Middle East and North Africa currently stands at 19%. Closing the gender gap in employment could increase GDP per capita by 51% in the average MENA economy.
A Changing Landscape in the Middle East
The ripple effect of women’s empowerment is already evident across the Middle East:
- In Saudi Arabia, female labour force participation has risen from 16.4% in 2015 to 35.8% by 2024, exceeding Vision 2030’s target of 30% (Financial Times, 2024). This reflects the success of the Kingdom’s reforms aimed at increasing women’s access to jobs and creating a more inclusive market.
- In the United Arab Emirates, over 70% of university graduates are women, paving the way for future leaders in STEM, business, and public policy (Stimson Center, 2024).