A growing body of evidence shows that gender inequalities can make the process
of development less inclusive by weakening the ability of household members
to care for each other or to engage in productive activities. For example, gender
discrepancies in education can make the labor force less effective, undermining
the economy’s growth potential. At the same time, structural changes that
accompany the development process – as a result of technological change, international
competition, or policy liberalization – can substantially alter the constraints
that women and men face when they approach new economic opportunities. The
extent to which these forces lead to greater gender parity or greater divisions will
influence the extent of inclusiveness of future growth.