By Nuvyn Peters and Adam Legge

It has long been evident that a more equitable and prosperous society relies on the full economic participation of women across the entire labour market, and that there are great economic benefits to everyone’s participation.

From higher wages to better-performing companies and improved living standards, gender equity — or lack thereof — can be the difference between a thriving and lagging economy. Indeed, the Gender Disparity Index demonstrates how legal and regulatory frameworks can affect the economic prosperity of women.

For Canada, women’s full economic participation has the potential to add a cumulative $150 billion to the country’s economy over the next decade.

In Alberta, we have an opportunity to add up to six per cent to our GDP by advancing women in the workforce and in leadership positions — that’s equivalent to more than $20 billion. Think of that as a boost of more than $12,000 per household.

However, while Alberta is making progress, we’re short of realizing our potential. What’s worse, we don’t know how far we’ve come or how much further........

© Calgary Herald