Gender-sensitive Economic Policies in the UNECE Region in the Context of the Economic and Financial Crisis

Gender equality is a basic human right and is as such a part of the social policy framework. At the same time, it is a multi-faceted concept with its cultural, social, legal, political and economic dimensions and interrelations. The prevalent practice in most countries illustrates that traditionally, macroeconomics and gender equality have been considered as two distinct policy areas that are independently shaped and carried out by different authorities. However, this approach fails to acknowledge the numerous interlinkages between both areas. Indeed, it is in the interest of both gender equality advocates and economic policymakers to closely cooperate. On the one hand, economic policies have an effect on gender equality through their potential to rebalance economic opportunities for both men and women and by influencing the incentive structure of economic agents; on the other hand, gender equality has an impact on the economy, for example through changes in labour force participation and the full use of human capital. This paper presents the interplay between these two policy areas highlighting mechanisms through which they influence each other, both under a structural - or long-term - perspective and in the context of the current economic crisis. The concluding recommendations are primarily directed to national decision-makers but also to international organizations, particularly financial institutions which influence national decision-making in the economic field.