Gender Notes

This note argues that the IMF is filling a critical gap by integrating gender issues into it work. It makes the case that (i) closing gender gaps is critical for economies because they lead to underdevelopment, underutilization, and misallocation of productive human resources; and (ii) applying a gender lens to macroeconomic, financial, and structural policy design can narrow gender gaps and result in improved economic outcomes. This Note complements this argument by providing an overview of gender gaps in opportunities, outcomes, and representation; taking stock of how these gaps impact macroeconomic and financial outcomes; and identifying which polices can narrow gender gaps. It explains how narrowing gender gaps can benefit societies and outline steps countries can take to unleash the economic gains from gender equality.