Gender Equality at the Heart of Development

This briefing note starts out by looking at the recent evidence linking gender equality and growth before analysing policies necessary to promote growth and gender equality. The briefing paper looks at evidence that suggests gender inequality is hurting economic development and growth in developing countries. Furthermore, this briefing paper states that if gender inequality were to fall there would be a long-term improvement in health and education, a reduction in fertility and a rise in productivity and household saving and investment, together these too would lead to growth. In addition, gender equality is associated with the promotion of women’s businesses and entrepreneurship as well as an increase in rural productivity. The briefing paper suggests 4 key issues that policies need to focus on in order to promote growth and gender equality. Firstly, policies need to promote equality in education at all levels, rather then just the primary level. Secondly, it is imperative that policies look to reduce the time burden of domestic work for women, as this would provide women with more opportunities to be involved in paid work. Furthermore to increase women’s participation in paid work, policies need to ensure that labour regulation does not create barriers for women’s entry into the labour market or women’s asset ownership and business.