A. M. 
Unsafe and unreliable infrastructure remains a significant obstacle to women’s opportunities around the world. Experts emphasize that if women had equal participation with men in the labor market, global Gross Domestic Product could grow by up to 20%. This estimate comes from various World Bank reports that analyze the relationship between female labor force participation and economic growth.
Access to transportation, digital connectivity, and energy must be universal; that is, these fundamental services must allow all people to live, work, and prosper. However, in many regions, infrastructure is far from gender-neutral, leaving women behind.
For example, women often rely on public transport for short, multi-stop trips, often using indirect routes while juggling work, childcare, and domestic responsibilities. Regarding digital connectivity, women are 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet in low- and middle-income countries, limiting their access to education, financial services, and remote jobs.
Furthermore, an unreliable electricity supply can mean women spend additional hours on household tasks, such as collecting water and firewood or preparing food, reducing their time available for work or study.
Experts emphasize that ensuring inclusive and reliable infrastructure is key to closing gender gaps, boosting female labor force participation, and increasing overall economic productivity.
