Abstract
Using panel data, this study examined how gender inequality affects economic growth in West Africa. The paper used data from 1997 to 2017 on GDP growth and three gender indicators. Nine countries in West Africa made up the study. The generalized method of moment (GMM) was the estimator used in estimating dependent variable and independent variables of the study. The dependent variable was GDP growth acting as a proxy for economic growth. The independent variables comprised of gender parity of primary school enrollment between female and male, labour participation ratio of female to male and gender inequality index (GII). The result of the study showed that at 1% level of significant, labour participation rate of female to male, gender parity in school enrollment and gender inequality statistically affect economic growth in West Africa. However, the outcome showed that whereas gender inequality adversely affects economic growth, increase in both participation rate of female and gender parity of school enrollment positively influence growth in West African economy. Population growth which was one of the controlled variables also showed a significant effect on economic growth. The study recommends that further studies should be conducted in area of job segregation and labour differences. Keywords : Gender Inequality Index (GII), Labour, femal, male, Economic DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-24-08 Publication date: December 31 st 2020
Highlights
Economists believe that fixed capital, human capital and labor force are the most important factors which can affect economic growth
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) (2017), for higher economic growth and improved human capital globally, the world must ensure the full participation of female in the production of world’s goods and services, as total inclusion is the only approach in achieving sustainable growth globally
5.0 Recommendation and Conclusion The economic growth of West African countries was modeled as a function of gender parity in school enrollment, labour participation rate, gender inequality, population growth, gross fixed capital formation and trade openness
Summary
Economists believe that fixed capital, human capital and labor force are the most important factors which can affect economic growth. The introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 5), has amplified how gender inequality is impeding human capital in the world as most countries especially in Africa are far away from achieving the mid mark of gender equality. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) (2017), for higher economic growth and improved human capital globally, the world must ensure the full participation of female in the production of world’s goods and services, as total inclusion is the only approach in achieving sustainable growth globally. The report indicated that even with the females employed, they were likely to receive wages lesser than their male counterpart in the same work field and are most often working in poor environmental condition with little or no future for career advancement, which does negatively affect the economic wellbeing of the women, and that of the country (UN, 2016). With average gender inequality in West Africa being about 0.61 and a continuous low economic growth (2.8) (IMF 2019 & World Bank 2018), there is the need to consider whether gender inequality has influence in the economic growth in the region
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
