[Infographic] Gender equality is also an economic opportunity

A $5.800 trillion opportunity. This is what greater workplace gender equality could provide the economy, and in doing so, increase global GDP by 3.9%. While equality should not be subject to economic performance, several studies show that inequalities are stalling growth. In some developing countries, inequality-related economic losses account for as much as 30% of GDP.

Inequalities can weigh heavily on the economies of certain countries.
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According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published in March 2019, economic losses related to gender inequality range from 10% of a developing country’s GDP to 30% of the GDP for certain developed countries. Access to employment is particularly called into question. In 2018, the global female employment rate was 49% compared to 76% for men.

Employing more women would increase global GDP by 3.9%

According to the World Bank, only six countries, including France, currently grant women the same rights as men. "2.7 billion women still do not have the same options as men in terms of employment," says the World Bank. Yet employing more women would increase the GDP of every country.

In concrete terms, if the gender employment gap was reduced by 25% by 2025, the global GDP would increase by 3.9%, for a gain of $5.8 trillion. Tax revenues would increase by more than $1.5 trillion.

L égalité des sexes est aussi une opportunité économique

Automation: 180 million jobs for women at risk

This would mostly affect emerging countries by as much as $990 billion and developing countries by $530 billion. "North Africa, the Arab States and South Asia would be primarily concerned, since the gender employment gap exceeds 50 points in these countries", explains the International Labour Organization

But at the current rate, equal pay in France will not be achieved until 2168, according to calculations by French feminist group Les Glorieuses. And with the addition of automation and other new technologies, women will be particularly affected. According to the IMF, 180 million jobs for women will be at risk globally in the next two decades.

Marina Fabre @fabre_marina