This report is one of six gender and investment climate reform assessments undertaken in six Pacific nations including Timor-Leste. The report analyses gender-based investment climate barriers which constrain private sector development and identifies solutions to address them. Four key investment climate areas are considered: public private dialogue; starting and licensing a business; access to justice and alternative dispute resolution; and access to, and enforcement of, rights over registered land.

Mining has not always had good press in the development arena, due to a history of inadequate environmental and social governance. This short paper argues that there is enormous opportunity to be had in including women in mining operations. The author looks at how International Finance Corporations’ (IFC) Gender Program was able to implement strategies to help two IFC mining clients better integrate women into their operations. The author highlights how in so doing, IFC has contributed to the clients’ sustainability objectives and to improved performance through greater gender diversity.

The Government of Tanzania is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs with both policy and practical support. The Government of Tanzania has made impressive strides in supporting women entrepreneurs, and its policies reflect a commitment to advancing women. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Marketing, which commissioned this report, has established special initiatives to reach out to women, and government supported organizations such as the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) have been working to empower women entrepreneurs through training and access to credit.