Working Paper No. 19 - Gender and globalization: a macroeconomic perspective

The paper discusses economic policy proposals and initiatives at a macroeconomic level that address the relationship between gender inequalities and economic liberalization policies. It argues that the world economy has not shown sustained growth rates or significant poverty reduction, nor has it ameliorated the situation of women. Globalization effects have been gender differentiated because the access to and control over assets and economic resources have been unequal. Furthermore many have lost their livelihoods due to economic liberalization and the governments of poor countries lack the resources to help these unfortunate people. The paper recommends to create gender-wise redistributive policies on national and international levels that are more directed towards people-centred policies. This would require reassessing the traditional trickle down economics theories, which have not proven to be very efficient. In due course, prioritizing economic policies on human needs and well-being will bring a more gender equitable and just world, which policy makers are urged to consider.

This paper was written as an insight into the work of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization 2004 that aims to provide a fairer globalization for all.