Gender and growth in sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and evidence

The article argues that gender inequality prevents sub-Saharan Africa from realizing its full economic potential. Women are not able to build the region's economy because of high fertility rates and gender gaps in employment, education, and access to agricultural inputs. Policies, legislation, and intra-household relations could be shaped to help improve women's employment in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Labor- and time-saving infrastructure are identified as tools to enhance women's contribution to the economy. Addressing gender inequality should be a policy priority within the field of development economics.