Women’s Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth: Labour Markets and Enterprise Development
Written by Jack Abebe
IDRC commissioned Professor Naila Kabeer to review existing research on women’s economic empowerment, with a view to inform a global new research initiative for DFID and IDRC. This paper was discussed at an international expert meeting at SOAS, London, January 26-27. The review concludes that there is strong evidence that gender equality can promote economic growth. Women’s access to employment and education opportunities reduces the likelihood of household poverty, and resources in women’s hands have a range of positive outcomes for human capital and capabilities within the household.