## Gender

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Gender](https://www.imf.org/en/topics/gender)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/topics/gender/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/topics/gender/index.json)
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### Macro-criticality of gender gaps
- IMF research over the past decade has established the macro-criticality of addressing gender gaps to reduce their negative effects on growth, employment, income inequality, financial stability, financial and digital inclusion, and society as a whole.
- Gender equality is framed both as an intrinsic development goal and as a component of the growth and stability equation.

### Labor market disparities and legal constraints
- Labor markets remain divided along gender lines:
  - Female labor force participation has remained lower than male participation.
  - Gender wage gaps are high.
  - Women are overrepresented in the informal sector and among the poor.
- In many countries, legal restrictions persist that constrain women from developing their full economic potential.

### Growth, stability, and development implications
- In rapidly aging economies, higher female labor force participation can boost growth by mitigating the impact of a shrinking workforce.
- In developing economies, better opportunities for women can contribute to broader economic development, including higher levels of school enrollment for girls.

### IMF engagement and policy dialogues
- The IMF’s gender-focused events explore the role of gender equality in economic growth and offer insights into overcoming gender gaps, showcasing strategies that benefit women, families, and the global economy.

---


## References

- [How Countries Are Adapting as the Global Energy Shock Persists](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/10/01/blog-how-countries-are-adapting-as-the-global-energy-shock-persists)
- [What Governments Should Do When Food Prices Surge](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/09/17/what-governments-should-do-when-food-prices-surge)
- [Asia’s Next Growth Story](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/09/02/asias-next-growth-story)
- [Rethinking Central Bank Communication in an Uncertain World](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/08/26/rethinking-central-bank-communication-in-an-uncertain-world)
- [Well-Designed Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Can Boost Economic Growth](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/08/25/well-designed-regulatory-and-institutional-reforms-can-boost-economic-growth)
- [New Economics Books Explore Trade, Finance, and a Changing World Order](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/08/06/new-economics-books-explore-trade-finance-and-a-changing-world-order)
- [Coming Soon](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo/issues/2026/10/13/world-economic-outlook-october-2026)
- [Coming Soon: Global Financial Stability Report, October 2026](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/gfsr/issues/2026/10/13/global-financial-stability-report-october-2026)
- [Coming Soon: Taxing Better to Boost Growth](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/fm/issues/2026/10/05/fiscal-monitor-october-2026)
- [Shaping the Future of Asia: Opportunities and Challenges](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/books/issues/2026/09/30/shaping-the-future-of-asia-opportunities-and-challenges-573484)
- [What Drives Policy Responses to the 2026 Energy Shock? First Evidence from the IMF Global Policy Tracker](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2026/10/01/what-drives-policy-responses-to-the-2026-energy-shock-first-evidence-from-the-imf-global-580075)
- [Toward a New Economic Growth Model for China](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/books/issues/2026/09/18/toward-a-new-economic-growth-model-for-china-573495)
- [Corporate Income Tax Regimes and Firm Investment](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/selected-issues-papers/issues/2026/09/30/corporate-income-tax-regimes-and-firm-investment-580046)
- [Estonia’s Energy Transition: Expanding Domestic Generation and Electricity Market Integration](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/selected-issues-papers/issues/2026/09/29/estonias-energy-transition-expanding-domestic-generation-and-electricity-market-integration-580052)
- [People's Republic of China—Macao Special Administrative Region: Selected Issues](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/cr/issues/2026/09/29/people-s-republic-of-china-macao-special-administrative-region-selected-issues-579980)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/topics/gender_