Publication Details

Modelling the contributions of reduced gender inequality to GDP growth prospects and poverty reduction

Rosetti Nabbumba Nayenga
Margaret Kakande
2010

Abstract

Women constitute a significant proportion of the chronically poor in Africa largely due to the gender inequalities that face them right from childhood. Research confirms that gender-based inequality limits economic growth in Africa, and that it is essential for Africa to unleash the enormous productive potential of its women if it is to make impressive strides towards pro-poor growth and poverty reduction. Developing country evidence including Uganda shows that the nature, causes and impacts of poverty are different for men and women. Many countries are now at the stage where they desire to deepen gender mainstreaming in their growth strategies and increase the impact of poverty reduction strategies on women, men, boys and girls. A study was undertaken in 2009 to quantify the contribution of reduced gender inequality to GDP growth rates in Uganda using Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) approach. Five simulations were done in the modelling work which include: (i) increasing the labor participation of women (ii) increasing skills acquisition by women (iii) improving the productivity of sectors considered to be women intensive (iv) increasing ownership of land by women and (v) increasing the participation of women labour force in higher paying sectors. The macroeconomic and microeconomic implications of reducing gender inequality to GDP growth prospects and poverty reduction are discussed to guide policy makers on the most effective mechanisms for gender mainstreaming.

Publication Type(s)

Conference Paper

Ten Years of War Against Poverty Conference Papers

Conference: Ten Years of War Against Poverty

Downloads

Back to previous page