In Indonesia, where I am from, the Dutch-imposed Civil Code dating back to the colonial 1870s prevailed until the 1974 Law on Marriage granted married women greater rights, including the ability to open individual bank accounts.

In many countries, laws still work to women's disadvantage - for example, by requiring married women to obtain their husbands' permission to register a business, own property, or work.

When both women and men contribute to a country's economic life on an equal basis, they help building stronger societies and stronger economies.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati Quotes