Credit Woman engineer at work: The IMF's research shows that countries can reap benefits from closing gender gaps (nimis69/iStock by Getty Images)
Credit Woman engineer at work: The IMF's research shows that countries can reap benefits from closing gender gaps (nimis69/iStock by Getty Images)
Not long ago, few people would have expected the International Monetary Fund to be engaged in work on gender inequality. We began by incorporating gender analysis and policy advice in our annual assessments of countries’ economies. Today, with some 30 gender consultations completed, and a dozen more planned, we have made a dent. But there is still a long way to go.
Gender inequality persists. About 90 percent of countries have at least one legal barrier to women owning property, receiving an inheritance, and opening a bank account. In middle-income countries, less than 53 percent of women have bank accounts. Gender gaps in income levels and labor force participation persist. Raising female labor force participation rates to male levels could boost gross domestic product by five percent in the US, nine percent in Japan, and 27 percent in India.
The IMF’s research shows that countries can reap benefits from closing gender gaps. It boosts economic growth, reduces income inequality, and strengthens economic resilience.
Here are the five ways the IMF is helping countries assess and adapt their policies.
For further reading, see Gender and the IMF.
