Section outline

  • Economic development and social and cultural shifts have contributed to a decrease in gender-related inequalities across the world. These notably include an increase in female educational enrolment compared with that of males and in the participation of women in the labour force. However, these shifts cannot be considered an automatic outcome of development but rather the result of concerted policy action and resource allocation for gender equality. Taking a gender perspective has helped reveal a number of structural inequalities between men and women in social, economic and political spheres, and has encouraged the implementation of measures to redress them. Efforts to mainstream gender equality in policymaking have been critical in this regard.

    Delivered by: Division on International Trade and Commodities of UNCTAD