Want to fight gender inequality? A review of data from 118 counties

Summary

A study led by Bedassa Tadesse, Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth, analyzing data from 118 countries collected over 13 years has revealed the significant impact of gender equality on global economic growth and societal well-being. The study showed that integrating gender considerations into broader development efforts consistently reduces gender inequality and improves well-being community-wide. Tadesse described the two types of aid that were studied:

"We looked at two types of gender-related aid. The first is funding for projects that tie gender into larger economic goals. Development experts call this “significant gender-related aid.” There’s also aid funding that narrowly and explicitly targets gender equality. Experts call this “principal gender-related aid.” We found that the first approach consistently and significantly reduced gender inequality in 115 out of 118 countries we studied. The latter approach had statistically significant effects in 85 countries. It also appeared to be much more effective when paired with the first approach."

Economic Impact of Gender Equality

• Women's economic empowerment leads to increased families, creating positive generational outcomes.
• Women's participation in the workforce enhances productivity, decision-making, and innovation.

Success Stories in Gender Equality

• 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 success stories support gender equality initiatives, outlining best practices for governments and aid professionals to further progress.

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.

The ConversationBedassa Tadesse