The economic gender gap is a well-documented issue, but beyond the familiar statistics about wage inequality, there are deeper, more nuanced layers that often go unnoticed. I have spent the last 3+ years in my doctoral journey researching and building a framework to bridge the gap. Understanding these complexities is crucial for driving meaningful change.
Here are five things you might not know:
1. The “Motherhood Penalty” Extends Beyond Wages:
We often discuss the wage gap, but the “motherhood penalty” significantly impacts career progression and leadership opportunities. Women who take time off for caregiving, even briefly, often face slower promotions and are perceived as less committed. This isn’t just about lost income; it’s about lost potential and long-term career stagnation. The impact is compounded for single mothers and those in low-income brackets.
2. Access to Funding and Investment is Skewed:
While venture capital and investment are touted as engines of economic growth, women entrepreneurs receive a disproportionately small slice of the pie(About 1% from recent reports). Studies show that female-founded startups receive significantly less funding than male-founded ones, even when they demonstrate equal or better performance. This bias limits innovation and stifles economic potential, particularly in high-growth sectors.
3. The Informal Economy Disproportionately Impacts Women:
A significant portion of women’s economic activity occurs in the informal economy, where they lack legal protections, social security, and access to financial services. This precarious employment leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, economic shocks, and limited opportunities for growth. This is a reality we have had to confront at Rouzo. Understanding this is crucial for policy makers in developing regions.
4. Digital Exclusion Perpetuates the Gap:
In today’s digital age, access to technology and digital literacy are essential for economic participation. Yet, a significant digital gender gap exists, with women having less access to the internet, mobile devices, and digital skills training. In Nigeria where I live, only 37% of women have access to internet according to GSMA report. This exclusion limits their ability to access information, markets, and opportunities, further widening the economic divide.
5. The Burden of Unpaid Care Work Undermines Economic Potential:
Women globally shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, including childcare, elder care, and household chores. This burden limits their ability to participate in paid employment, pursue education, and engage in entrepreneurial activities. Recognizing and redistributing unpaid care work is essential for achieving economic gender equality. It’s often ignored when considering economic models.
What Can We Do?
Addressing the economic gender gap requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to:
- Challenge unconscious biases in hiring, promotion, and investment.
- Invest in affordable childcare and support systems for working mothers.
- Promote digital literacy and access to technology for women.
- Formalize the informal economy and provide social protections.
- Advocate for policies that recognize and redistribute unpaid care work.
By acknowledging the complexities of the economic gender gap, we can move beyond surface-level solutions and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
I am working on a new project reafafrica.org to address some of these challenges and I will share more about itin the coming weeks. You can go to reafafrica.org to learn more.
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