Women make up a little over half the world’s population, but their contribution to measured economic activity, growth, and well-being is far below its potential, with serious macroeconomic consequences. Despite significant progress in recent decades, labor markets across the world remain divided along gender lines. In nearly every country, women work longer hours than men, but are usually paid less and are more likely to live in poverty.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently published a study titled Women, Work, and the Economy: Macroeconomic Gains from Gender Equity pointing to the striking economic benefits that could come from increased female participation in the work force. The study shows that despite some improvements toward gender equality seems to have stalled. “Raising women’s participation in labor markets would benefit all in a number of ways”, said IMF Chief Christine Lagarde. “For example, if the number of female workers was raised to the same level as that of men in the United Arab Emirates, GDP would expand by 12 percent, in Japan by 9 percent, and in the United States by 5 percent”, she noted.

For knowing more about the recommendations and reading the analysis, download the study.