世界银行-利比里亚妇女人数：性别红利宏观模拟的证据（英）-2023.4-42页_557kb

Analysis Summary

Overview

This report examines the economic contributions of women in Liberia and demonstrates the potential for a gender dividend by closing gender gaps through a macrosimulation model. It emphasizes that women are excluded from high-productivity sectors, leading to significant economic losses.

Key Findings

• Current Contributions: Women contribute 39% of market-based economic output in Liberia, valued at approximately USD 1.08 billion annually.
• Non-Tradable Work: Accounting for unpaid housework and domestic chores adds USD 530 million to GDP, representing 16.1% of GDP.
• GDP Growth Potential: Closing gender gaps increases GDP by up to 45.3%. For example:
  • Closing labor force participation gaps can boost GDP by 2.3%.
  • Closing educational gaps can increase GDP by 8.3%.
  • Full convergence of all gender gaps (education, fertility, labor participation, wages) could raise GDP by 23.7%.
  • Including non-tradable production increases GDP by 19.2%, reaching USD 4.83 billion.

Methodology

A macrosimulation model is adapted from earlier work (Canning, Karra & Wilde, 2017) to estimate the economic impacts of narrowing gender gaps. The model incorporates data on labor force participation, education, fertility, wages, and non-tradable activities using macroeconomic and survey data from Liberia.

Implications

• The study urges a policy agenda focused on investing in women's education, employment opportunities, reproductive health, and social norms to unlock the gender dividend.
• Economic reforms should target reducing institutional barriers and discriminatory practices to ensure equitable growth.

Conclusion

Liberia stands to gain significantly from addressing gender inequalities, with substantial GDP increases possible if gender gaps are closed, reinforcing the need for inclusive policies.