by Clematis Everett, Columbia University Teachers College
Students in 12th grade economics examine the roles that women play in the global economy. They ultimately create a ranked list of three concrete steps that should be taken to improve gender equity and foster long term economic growth.
Introduction
"As women, we have tremendous power. We control both sides of the cash register. We are the cashiers on one side and the customers on the other side. If we join hands across the cash register, we can change the economic future of women in America."
-Susan Philips, Vice President, United Food and Commercial Workers
(quote retrieved 6 August 2008 from here)
Over the next few days, you and your group will be investigating the role of women in the global economy. You will find that the gender gap appears differently throughout the world. However, as we think about long term economic growth, aren't women - about 50% of the world's population - an important part of the world's labor force? As Isobel Coleman points out in her article, "The Payoff From Women's Rights," "women are critical to economic development"and are a high return investment for all nations, but especially developing nations.
Move on to the Task page.