G-20 countries launch new initiative to boost role of women in global economic growth

The world's 20 leading economies have launched a new grouping aimed at boosting the role of women in global economic growth.

The W-20 — a grouping of female leaders — was launched on Sunday in the Turkish capital Ankara, where finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 were meeting for talks on the global economy. The group aims to work toward empowering women and ensuring their participation in economic growth.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said women's participation was paramount to economic growth and said one of the best indicators for the prosperity of a country was the smile on the face of its women.

Davutoglu said: "If the women are smiling ... you can be sure that their country is happy."