Economic policy has historically focused on wealth and resources, yet a woman's access to credit or land does not guarantee she has the power to make strategic life choices. This tension highlights a critical gap in how global development metrics define progress.

In this episode, we unpack a collaborative webinar hosted by the Asian Development Bank featuring leading gender and economics experts. We dive into the mechanics of the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index and discuss why traditional labor metrics fail us. We learn how cultural normative factors, control over household earnings, and the rise of digital gig platforms during the pandemic are shaping modern paths to economic independence.

• True empowerment is built on agency, which is the capacity to define personal goals and make strategic choices.
• Measuring ti ...