IMF Strategy Toward Mainstreaming Gender

Abstract

Mainstreaming gender at the IMF starts with the recognition that reducing gender disparities goes hand-in-hand with higher economic growth, greater economic stability and resilience, and lower income inequality. At the same time, economic and financial policies can exacerbate or narrow gender disparities. Well-designed macroeconomic, structural, and financial policies can support efficient and inclusive outcomes and equitably benefit women, girls, and the society in general.Attention to gender has never been more urgent-the COVID crisis, conflicts, the food and energy crisis and related spike in inflation, and long-standing factors such as climate change have exacerbated pre-existing gender gaps.The strategy lays out how the IMF can help its member countries address gender disparities in the context of carrying out its core functions-surveillance, lending, and capacity development. This means assessing the macroeconomic consequences of gender gaps where they are macro-critical, evaluating the gender-differentiated impact of shocks and policies, and providing granular and tailored macroeconomic and financial policy advice.The strategy comprises four key pillars: first, gender-disaggregated data collection and development of modeling tools to enable staff to conduct policy analysis; second, a robust governance framework for an evenhanded approach across members based on the macrocriticality of gender; third, strengthening collaboration with external partners to benefit from knowledge sharing and peer learning, leverage complementarities, and maximize the impact on the ground; and fourth, the efficient use of resources allocated to gender by putting in place a central unit for realizing scale economies and supporting country teams. Executive Board Assessment 1Executive Directors welcomed the opportunity to discuss the IMF Strategy Toward Mainstreaming Gender. They noted that the strategy is particularly timely given the current economic uncertainties and recent shocks, which are exacerbating pre-existing gender gaps.Directors recognized that reducing gender inequality can increase economic growth, reduce inequality, and foster economic and financial resilience. Well-designed macroeconomic and financial policies can support efficient and inclusive outcomes and equitably benefit 1 At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors,