What are you usually doing at 4 a.m.? For millions of women around the world, that’s when the day starts, whether by going to fetch water, feed animals or get on the road for a long commute. What about lunchtime? For women entrepreneurs around the world, that’s time to prep for a meeting with a roomful of men who think women don’t belong there. And while you’re getting ready for bed, many women are starting their second jobs just to be able to provide for their children.
The quest for women’s economic equality is universal. But in the developing world, the struggle can be compounded by a lack of resources, poor infrastructure and nonexistent or ineffective gender equity laws. By failing to find ways to improve women’s rights at work and participation in the workforce, we all lose. A 2015 report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that we could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025 if we achieve gender equity in society and at work.
One of the best ways to understand the challenges women face as they try to earn a living is to go through a typical day with them. On this year’s International Women’s Day, March 8, we are conducting an experiment to help our readers experience the daily lives of women in the developing world as they care for their families and do their jobs.
We will follow three women through their day, in different countries and different jobs, sending out real-time updates about their routines, the decisions they have to make, and the problems they come up against.
On March 8, you’ll receive the story over the course of the day through a series of messages that correspond to what the women are doing in their own countries at that time. This story will be offered in multiple time zones.
To sign up, message “NEWS DEEPLY” along with your location (City, Country) and preferred time zone to +1929-382-0011 using WhatsApp.
Your phone number will not be shared with any third parties and it won’t be viewable by anyone but the editor. You won’t receive any spam, and you won’t receive messages from us after March 8, unless you request to stay in touch. Opt out any time by messaging “STOP” to the same number.