The common practice of excluding women and women’s skills from the labor force is a detriment to all. Not only is it a lost opportunity for women and their families but entire economic systems as well. When we support diverse labor and skillsets we reap the benefits of expanded talent pools and the massive contributions of strong leadership, valuable perspectives, groundbreaking innovation, and often forgotten benefits of pink collar jobs. Nursing, teaching, and administrative work make up the support systems that keep healthcare, education, and business booming – all of which are the institutions that create better welfare for every community it serves. Economic empowerment for women lifts families out of poverty and makes stronger economies holistically.

Supporting women’s empowerment also means supporting small businesses; as most home businesses are started by women. Increasing women’s share of assets and financial power is vital for economic and personal well-being, whether this starts at home, at a job, with entrepreneurship, or with financial education. Ramping up resources (even just information and technology),securing more beneficial employment, supporting care for children and paid maternity leave, addressing domestic violence, and protecting rights and preserving autonomy make women’s lives better, and stronger nations around them.

This is why energy and social infrastructure matter. The creation of opportunities means creating better well-being for everyone these opportunities touches.