A study of 118 countries covering a 13-year period revealed the significant impact of gender equality on global economic growth and societal well-being, that integrating gender considerations into broader development efforts consistently reduces gender inequality, and that the type of development called "significant gender-related aid" consistently and significantly reduced gender inequality in 115 out of 118 countries studied, while “principal gender-related aid” reduced gender inequality in 85 out of 118 countries studied; and fit urther revealed that the latter type also appeared to be much more effective when paired with the first approach.
Types of aid
- Significant gender-related aid: funding for projects that tie gender into larger economic goals.
- Principal gender-related aid. aid funding that narrowly and explicitly targets gender equality
Success Stories
- Rwanda: Women hold 61% of parliamentary seats, the highest percentage globally, due to gender-focused policies and investments.
- Bangladesh: Targeted programs in education and microfinance have improved girls' education and women's economic empowerment.181920
- Ethiopia: Investments in girls' education have improved literacy rates and better health outcomes.
Benefits of Gender Equality for All
- Gender equality leads to stronger economies, benefiting everyone.
- It promotes healthier relationships, reduces violence, and fosters more cohesive communities.
- Workplaces prioritizing gender equality experience better team dynamics and increased productivity.
- Men in more gender-equal societies report better mental health and life satisfaction.
The study stories highlight best practices for governments and aid professionals to progress regional and global equality further.
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Want to fight gender inequality? A review of data from 118 countries shows that development aid works
Aid successfully narrowed gender gaps in nearly every country researchers examined.
Bedassa Tadesse
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