GENDER EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Abstract

Women make up a little over half the world’s population, but their contribution to measured economic activity, growth and well being is far below its potential, with serious macro-economic consequences. Despite significant progress in recent decades, labour markets across the world remain divided along gender lines, and progress toward gender equity seems to have stalled. Female labour force participation (FLEP) has remained lower than male participation. Women account for most unpaid work, and when women are employed in paid work, they are over- represented in the informal sector and among the poor. They also face significant wage differentials vis-a- vis their male colleagues. In many countries, distortions and discrimination in the labour market restrict women’s options for paid-work, and female representation in senior positions and entrepreneurship remains low.