WIPO has published “Women, Innovation and Impact”, a new publication highlighting progress under the IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP), the Organization’s first strategy dedicated to advancing women’s engagement across intellectual property (IP), innovation and creativity.
Launched in 2023, the IPGAP guides WIPO’s work with Member States and partners through three interconnected areas: strengthening institutional frameworks to enable women’s full participation in innovation; building the evidence base through data and research; and creating opportunities for women and girls through impact-driven projects on IP strategy, business development and economic empowerment. Underpinning all three is a commitment to broadening collaboration and enhancing communication.
The publication brings this strategy to life with stories from across the three pillars. It showcases national initiatives in Serbia, Namibia and Japan that embed women’s participation in IP policy and strategy; evidence-building efforts such as the Global Research Experts Meeting (GREM) and the World Gender-Name Dictionary (WGND); and programs supporting women entrepreneurs, innovators and creators in Nigeria, Guatemala, Tunisia, Peru, Ecuador and beyond—now sustained through the new “IP for Her” digital community platform.
The most recent WIPO data put the share of women inventors in published international patent applications at 18.1% in 2025, up from 17.1% in 2022. At the current rate of change, WIPO estimates that parity among PCT-listed inventors will not be reached until 2083. This publication makes the strategic case for investing in what works and scaling it further, faster.
"The stories in this booklet are living proof of what happens when we work together. They remind us that by eliminating barriers and building systems that welcome everyone, we do not just close gaps; we broaden the reach of innovation and the benefits it can bring to everyone, everywhere."
Lisa Jorgenson, Deputy Director General for the Patents and Technology Sector and WIPO's first IP and Gender Champion
"Women, Innovation and Impact" is both a record of achievement and a call to action. WIPO invites Member States, IP and innovation offices, and women entrepreneurs, innovators and creators to draw on these stories, connect with WIPO’s programs, and help extend this progress across every region and every part of the IP ecosystem.