“Economica” – The Economics of Being a Woman

How do women interact with the economy? How can we work to alleviate poverty? How does investing in women change a country?

The International Museum of Women’s current exhibit, Economica , tackles these issues and more.  Economica explores the role of women in the growing global economy through audio slideshows, podcasts, forum conversations and essays.  Curator Masum Momaya introduces the theme of Economica reminding us of the disparities that still exist :

Women constitute an estimated 70% of the world’s absolute poor, those living on less than $1 a day.(1) Women work 2/3 of the world’s working hours, yet earn only 10% of the world’s income.(2) Women are responsible for producing 60-80% of the world’s food(3), yet hold only 10% of the world’s wealth and 1% of the world’s land.(4)

The exhibit also illustrates the potential women have to effect change , as well as the changes contributions so many women are already making.

Women leaders, thinkers and activists from all over the world, including Pro Mujer Co-Founder Lynne Patterson, debate diverse issues such as: New Visions, Basic Rights, Family and Fertility, Business Leadership, Microenterprise, Giving, Marriage and Money, Property and Wealth, and Grassroots Solutions.  The essays examine solutions, challenges and advancements.

Watch a slide show about poverty and microfinance that features Pro Mujer client, Flora Callisaya:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT85y1Um5Xg]

Read Lynne’s article >>