Why is advancing women’s economic empowerment and workplace dignity vital for sustainable development? How is UNDP leveraging its Gold Gender Equality Seal and partnerships to accelerate gender-responsive policies and feminist economic principles in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Sustainable development is only possible when it is inclusive and when all individuals- regardless of gender- have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic and social progress. However, genuine inclusivity and equality require more than just economic growth; they demand the fulfillment of rights for all. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the persistent gender gap in economic participation is not only a symptom of inequality but a direct barrier to sustainable development. 

According to UNDP’s report on women in the labour market, only 37% of women are in the workforce, compared to 63% of men, reflecting deep-rooted structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in economic life. These include limited access to affordable childcare and eldercare services, discriminatory hiring and promotion practices, wage disparities, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, which continues to fall overwhelmingly on women due to traditional social norms.

A recent research from UNDP and the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovinashows that 83% of women in BiH feel they are held back in their careers because of their gender. Ignoring these inequalities means undermining Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic potential. Research consistently shows that gender-equal economies are more resilient, innovative, and prosperous. The IMF underscores that gender inequality imposes significant economic costs, with closing gender gaps potentially boosting GDP by over 30% in some countries, making gender equality both a social and economic necessity. When women are economically empowered, they reinvest in their families and communities, contributing to better health, education, and overall well-being, which in turn drives long-term sustainable development. In contrast, economic systems that exclude women or tolerate workplace discrimination are not only inefficient but also unsustainable.

To achieve real, lasting change, economic empowerment must go hand in hand with workplace dignity. Women's participation in the workforce is not truly meaningful if it is marked by precarious conditions, discrimination, harassment, unequal pay, or the fear of job loss due to pregnancy. Workplace dignity means ensuring that women are not only present but valued, protected, and given equal opportunities to advance. This requires strong policies to close wage gaps, eliminate sexual harassment, promote work-life balance, protect maternity rights, and challenge occupational segregation, where women are disproportionately concentrated in lower-paid sectors with limited career progression. Without addressing these structural barriers, efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment will remain incomplete, and broader development goals will fall short of their potential.

Given the complexity and deeply embedded nature of these inequalities, no single actor can address them alone. Structural change requires a concerted effort from governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations. 

UNDP, in partnership with the Agency for Gender Equality, is working to advance workplace standards and accountability through the UNDP Gender Equality Seal Methodology. This initiative drives systemic change by ensuring that organizations in both the public and private sectors implement policies that promote gender parity, eliminate sexual harassment, and ensure equal pay. Institutions like the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH have set a regional precedent by achieving international workplace equality standards, becoming the first in Europe to earn a Silver Gender Equality Seal. The Ministry of Security of BiH is now following suit. The UNDP Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina itself has achieved the Gold Gender Equality Seal, demonstrating our commitment and positioning us to guide others through this transformative journey.

However, advancing women’s economic empowerment and workplace dignity requires more than just compliance with workplace standards- it demands a fundamental shift in how economies and policies are designed. This is where feminist economic principles come in, emphasizing the need to break down the artificial divide between economic and social policies. Economic decisions- whether related to taxation, budgeting, labor laws, or investment strategies- are not gender-neutral. They either reinforce existing inequalities or serve as tools to dismantle them. 

In partnership with the Agency for Gender Equality and with the initial support of the Swedish International Development Agency, UNDP established a Women Forum for Development which now mobilizes over 2,000 activists and experts to advocate for gender-responsive economic policies. These efforts highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing unpaid care work, ensuring equitable access to resources, and promoting policies that redistribute care responsibilities, enabling women’s full economic participation.

A critical part of this transformation is investing in women’s leadership and ensuring that women are decision-makers in economic and policy spaces. Through private sector partnerships such as the Women Mentoring Network by Deloitte and Addiko Bank, UNDP has supported over 250 aspiring women leaders, equipping them with the skills and networks to challenge structural inequalities. These mentorship initiatives create intergenerational solidarity, ensuring that gains in gender equality are sustained and expanded over time.

At a broader level, transformative partnerships are key to accelerating gender equality. Through the Gender Equality Accelerator Framework- a UN joint initiative between UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF- we are tackling gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and gender-responsive governance as interconnected pillars. The program, launching next month, represents a new model for multi-sectoral collaboration, ensuring that economic policies, social protections, and governance reforms reinforce each other to create an environment where women can thrive. With initial funding from the EU and SIDA covering a third of required resources, we are working to mobilize even more partners to drive systemic change.

Ultimately, sustainable development cannot be achieved if half of the population is held back by economic barriers and workplace discrimination. Advancing women’s economic empowerment and ensuring workplace dignity is not just about fairness- it is about building a more resilient, just, and prosperous society for all. By embedding gender equality in economic policies, investing in social protections, and ensuring dignified work conditions, we are not just supporting women—we are laying the foundation for sustainable development that benefits everyone.

What role does mentorship play in fostering women’s leadership?

Mentorship helps individuals develop skills and confidence needed to overcome systemic barriers. Programs like the Women Mentoring Network connect aspiring women leaders with experienced mentors, creating intergenerational solidarity. These programs accelerate personal growth and are integral to UNDP’s broader efforts to promote transformative leadership.

Beyond skill-building, mentorship programs help women navigate challenges, strengthening resilience and social capital. The Women Mentoring Network also allows UNDP to share expertise in challenging harmful stereotypes, addressing internalized misogyny, and fostering solidarity across genders. In all our work we apply intersectional knowledge to meet the unique needs of women in all their diversity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring no one is left behind.

Can you share examples of successful collaboration between UNDP and private sector partners in advancing gender equality?

In addition to cooperation with Deloitte and Addiko Bank, UNDP also fosters partnerships with private sector allies like the SDG Pioneers, prioritizing women-led businesses, especially in the agriculture and food industries. Through large-scale economic programs with the EU, UNDP BiH created over 800 jobs for women in the last four years, while supporting the retention of more than 2,100 existing jobs held by women. Within the Women Forum for Development, our Decent Work Coalition serves as a convener for high-level policy advocacy, advancing women’s roles in labour markets and entrepreneurship.

UNDP’s message is clear: women’s economic empowerment, workplace safety, and dignity are essential for a thriving, just society. By applying the Gender Equality Seal, integrating feminist economic principles, and building strong partnerships, we turn commitments into measurable progress, ensuring women can lead, thrive, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.