Women, Business and the Law

Women, Business and the Law (WBL) is a flagship World Bank Group initiative that collects and analyzes data on laws and policy mechanisms shaping the enabling environment for women’s economic opportunity. Covering 190 economies, WBL examines legal differences affecting men’s and women’s access to economic opportunities, providing a clear picture of where barriers persist and where progress is being made.
Since 2009, Women, Business and the Law has advanced the global conversation on gender equality by delivering reliable, objective, and measurable benchmarks. Its cross-country comparable data supports evidence-based research and informed policy discussions aimed at strengthening women’s economic opportunities and empowerment worldwide.
Since 2023, Aylin Zeybek has been participating as a local expert for Cyprus, contributing to the annual Women, Business and the Law (WBL) reports of the World Bank Group.
We are proud to share that in 2026 we continue to be part of this important global initiative. WBL plays a vital role in bridging the gap between law and equality by promoting legal reforms that enable women to participate fully in economic life — strengthening families, empowering communities, and contributing to national economic growth.

The launch of the Women, Business and the Law 2026 Report will take place on Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST at the World Bank Group Headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Preston Auditorium) and online. By diagnosing legal and policy constraints, the 2026 report provides a roadmap for reforms that unlock productivity, enhance inclusion, and drive sustainable economic growth.