More women in the workplace could boost economy by 35%, says Christine Lagarde

Exclusive: IMF managing director presses for female empowerment in interview to mark International Women’s Day

Employing more women and tackling sexism in the workplace is the key to making the world economy richer, more equal and less prone to devastating financial collapses, according to the head of the International Monetary Fund.

In an interview to mark International Women’s Day next week, Christine Lagarde said some countries could boost the size of their economies by 35% if they abandoned discriminatory laws and took advantage of the skills women had to offer.