Riyadh: The Ministry of Planning held a joint meeting with representatives of the World Bank to discuss ways to enhance women’s empowerment and increase their participation in the public and private sectors within ongoing development programs.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry stated that the meeting, chaired by the Administrative Affairs Undersecretary, Dr. Hanaa Ismail Al-Asadi, emphasized that empowering women is a key pillar of the National Development Plan, considering them active partners in achieving economic growth and strengthening social stability.

Al-Asadi noted that the ministry, in cooperation with international institutions, foremost among them the World Bank, is working to create a supportive environment that boosts women’s participation in the labor market and expands their role in the private sector through clear standards and more inclusive policies.

She added that economic empowerment involves providing job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, developing partnerships, preparing feasibility studies, and implementing capacity-building programs in line with the National Development Plan’s goals.

Both sides agreed to prepare a comprehensive summary that includes an accurate assessment of the current situation, available opportunities, and targeted objectives for women’s empowerment, focusing on mechanisms for involving women in implementing the plan’s outcomes.

They also agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to continue discussions on joint work and advance practical steps to enhance women’s roles and contributions to economic development.