About Representation Matters

A joint program of the Oliver Wyman Forum, the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law, and Women Political Leaders

Our Mission

We conduct research into the crucial intersection of female representation in politics and its impact on legal and economic equality between women and men.

“When I was a member of the European Parliament, I called Women, Business and the Law the ‘To Do List’ for politicians because, after all, politicians are lawmakers. They can change the legal reality.”

Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Founder and President, Women Political Leaders (WPL)
“Data proves to everyone that gender equality is an issue that belongs to all of us.”

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Board Chair, Women Political Leaders (WPL), Former Africa Region Vice President, World Bank Group
“Across countries and sectors when women participate in decision-making, decisions are more oriented toward public goods, inclusive and climate-friendly and beneficial for all.”

Hana Brixi, Global Director, Gender World Bank
“Once representation happens and you have women in government, the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law index shows that women’s ability to participate equally in the economy improves. This is the single biggest source of economic opportunity in our times."

Dominik Weh, Partner, Co-Head of the Government and Public Institutions Practice, Europe, Oliver Wyman

Our Findings

Research shows that as the share of women in important political decision-making bodies increases, legal reforms for gender equality of economic opportunity are more likely to occur.

These effects hold true even when controlling for:

• Socioeconomic factors such as economic development or oil income per capita

• Political factors such as the level of democracy

• The development status of countries