Summary |
The World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development argues that closing these persistent gender gaps matters. It matters because gender equality is a core development objective in its own right. But it is also smart economics. Greater gender equality can enhance productivity, improve development outcomes for the next generation, and make institutions more representative.
Building on a growing body of knowledge on the economics of gender equality and development, the Report identifies the areas where gender gaps are most significant-both intrinsically and in terms of their potential development payoff-and where growth alone cannot solve the issues. It then sets forth four priorities for public action:
Reducing excess female mortality and closing education gaps where they remain
• Improving access to economic opportunities for women
• Increasing women’s voice and agency in the household and in society
• Limiting the reproduction of gender inequality across generations.
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