OneWorld.net (U.S.)

December 28,2006 WASHINGTON: The world is losing billions a year in economic growth due to inequities between men and women, international economists reported from Washington. Governments must address the problem and should use economic policies to reduce gender inequalities, International Monetary Fund economists said.

The unofficial report suggests the fund could use its influence over its 184 members to encourage governments to remove arbitrary discrimination and other measures to narrow the gender gap, London ' s Independent newspaper reports. The economists' survey of more than 40 rich and poor countries found the gender gap reduces economic growth while economic growth generally narrows the gap between the sexes. The survey also found women tend to invest savings in more productive ways than men and keep up the repayments on loans better, both of which have wider economic benefits. The report comes a week ahead of the launch of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, which will highlight the lack of representation of women at all levels of one of the world's richest societies.

A survey of more than 40 rich and poor countries found that gender divides reduced economic growth while economic growth tends to narrow the gap between the sexes.

On one level, women with the power over a household's resources tend to devote more to fostering their children's potential and this has knock-on - but unrewarded - benefits to society as a whole. Women also tend to invest savings in more productive ways and keep up the repayments on loans better, both of which have wider economic benefits.

The survey also found that women were more supportive of collective insurance and redistributive spending, although the author of the report, Janet Stotsky, admits it is debatable whether that is a laudable outcome.

"Women often face barriers in gaining access to a good education and health care for economic and cultural reasons," she said. "The end result is a lower level of educational attainment, a higher rate of infant mortality for girls ... and markedly lower wages and fewer job opportunities."

Source: Earthtimes