Meet Anna Bjerde, World Bank MD Prioritising Women's Empowerment Globally

The World Bank is strategically prioritising housing solutions tailored for women to foster empowerment and ensure equal opportunities, stemming from the profound belief that addressing the housing needs of women is pivotal in promoting their empowerment and providing a level playing field for them to thrive. During a recent visit to World Bank-supported projects, Anna Bjerde, the Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of such initiatives on both individual lives and the broader economy.

Empowering Through Shelter - 'Thozhi' Working Women's Hostel

One exemplary manifestation of this strategic focus is the working women's hostel named 'Thozhi.' Jointly developed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the World Bank, and the private sector, 'Thozhi' stands as a classic example of the commitment to empowering women. Inaugurated by TN Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in January, this initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to urban development and aims to address the unique challenges faced by working women.

Bjerde highlighted the significance of these housing solutions, stating, "The ultimate achievement while we are focusing on a housing solution for women is because we want to address women's empowerment and equal opportunity for women." The impact of such initiatives goes beyond mere housing, leading to a notable increase in women pursuing studies and engaging in critical sectors such as IT and manufacturing.

Urgency for Women's Empowerment

Women's empowerment encompasses a multifaceted approach that seeks to enhance women's agency, access to resources, and participation in decision-making processes across various spheres of life. Central to this paradigm is the concept of equal opportunity, wherein women are afforded the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as their male counterparts. However, achieving gender parity remains a formidable challenge, particularly in regions characterized by entrenched socio-cultural norms and structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality.

Boosting GDP Through Female Labor Force Participation

The World Bank recognizes the economic potential embedded in increasing female labour force participation. Anna Bjerde revealed a staggering statistic: "If India were to elevate its female labour force participation to 50 percent, it could contribute to a remarkable 1 percent growth in the country's GDP, and that is huge, because India is a huge economy, ”. This is not merely a statistical projection; it represents a transformative opportunity for a country as vast and dynamic as India.

Public-Private Partnerships in Urban Development

The success of the 'Thozhi' working women's hostel model opens the door for potential replication in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where female labour force participation remains low. Bjerde emphasized the feasibility of this model in African countries, as well as in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This approach is unique because it relies on public-private partnerships, recognizing that the synergy between the public and private sectors is crucial for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable development.

India's experience in promoting women's economic empowerment through innovative housing solutions serves as a compelling model for other countries grappling with similar challenges. The success of initiatives such as the working women's hostels underscores the importance of forging strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable development outcomes.

Bjerde stated, "India has a lot of experience in these kinds of models, and other countries are trying to push female labor force participation. If you have urbanization and housing needs, this could be a very good solution." The model not only addresses housing requirements but also leverages the strengths of both sectors, showcasing a holistic approach to societal development.

Who Is Anna Bjerde?

Since April 3, 2023, Anna Bjerde has assumed the pivotal role of Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, a position that places her at the forefront of steering the organization towards impactful and sustainable outcomes. She leads the Operations Units of the World Bank, a complex structure that encompasses the Regional Vice Presidencies, Operational Policy, and Country Services. Her purview extends to the Fragile, Conflict, and Violence Global Themes Department, showcasing the breadth of her responsibilities. Under her guidance, the World Bank's active portfolio boasts 1,813 projects, totaling a staggering $300 billion.

At the core of her influence is the maintenance of an annual lending average of approximately $65 billion over the past three years. Beyond the numbers, Bjerde's impact is evident in the groundbreaking analytical work conducted under her leadership. This work not only informs policy reforms but also shapes priority investments, offers technical assistance, and strategically targets poverty reduction.

As Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, she also adeptly steered the region through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, natural disasters, and the World Bank's extensive response to Ukraine.

Bjerde holds a Master's in Business and Economics from the University of Stockholm.