Trends in Gender Equality and Women’s Advancement

Author/Editor:

Janet Gale Stotsky ; Sakina Shibuya ; Lisa L Kolovich ; Suhaib Kebhaj

Publication Date:

February 10, 2016

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper examines trends in indicators of gender equality and women’s development, using evidence derived from individual indicators and gender equality indices. We extend both the United Nations Development Program’s Gender Development Index and Gender Inequality Index to examine time trends. In recent decades, the world has moved closer to gender equality and narrowed gaps in education, health, and economic and political opportunity; however, substantial differences remain, especially in South Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggest countries can make meaningful improvements in gender equality, even while significant income differences between countries remain.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2016/021

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

February 10, 2016

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475592955/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2016021

Pages:

62

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