Policy work

This report provides a critical review, based on existing research, of what private sector interventions may benefit women. The report discusses implications for reduction in poverty and inequality and to the extent possible the role of the Norwegian private sector. The report starts with a general discussion of what we may expect from private sector interventions. Then we describe some interventions supported by Norwegian development assistance. We end with a review of empirical evidence on what interventions may work. The review focuses on available causal evidence and is thus not restricted to Norwegian development assistance.

This evidence review explores the effectiveness of skills training programs in increasing women's access to dignified work and improving their earnings. The review synthesizes findings from diverse contexts to evaluate how different program designs, implementation strategies, and contextual factors affect outcomes. It highlights that while some programs  show positive impacts, particularly when tailored to the local economic needs and cultural contexts, others demonstrate  moderate or no significant effects, often due to mismatched training content or insufficient adaptation to participants' socio-cultural environments.

This evidence review explores the effectiveness of business training programs in promoting women’s economic empowerment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By synthesizing various studies, the review assesses the impact of such programs on women’s business skills, earnings, and entrepreneurial activities. Findings indicate that while business training generally enhances business practices, its effects on tangible business outcomes like sales, revenues, or profits are mixed, with notably lesser benefits for female entrepreneurs due to persistent gender-based barriers.