Macroeconomic policy and women's economic empowerment

The overarching vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is inclusive and sustainable growth with its promise to leave no one behind. Empowering women in the economy is not only central to this vision but also forms a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At its core, the economic empowerment of women—to succeed and advance economically and to make and act on economic decisions—depends on the quantity and quality of paid employment, the provision or absence of public services, the amount of unpaid care work borne by women, as well as coverage or lack thereof under core social and labour protections.

This discussion paper aims to contribute to the public debate by highlighting why macroeconomic policies need to incorporate gender perspectives to advance women’s economic empowerment, and how the overall economic environment is a crucial enabler of gender equality.