IMF pitches for greater investment in infrastructure for larger women labour force

International Monetary Fund, IMF has pitched for greater investment in infrastructure and enhanced social spending in India to bring in larger number of women in labour force. As per a recent IMF study, India’s GDP can expand by 27 per cent if the number of women workers increases to the same level as that of men. In an interview to the New Agency Kalpana Kochhar, Deputy Director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department said the study refers to the GDP gain that would materialise if the labour force participation gap between men and women is closed.

She also said this gender gap in labour force participation is much larger in India than in most other countries. Mrs Kalpana also said this gender gap is around 50 per cent in India, compared with an average gap of 12 per cent in OECD countries. She added that since the gap is much larger in India, the economic gain from closing it is much larger compared with other countries.

As per a recent IMF study, India’s GDP can expand by 27% if the number of women workers increases to the same level as that of men. This is much higher than the positive impact a 50-50 gender parity in workforce can have on many other economies. “The study refers to the GDP gain that would materialise if the labour force participation gap between men and women is closed. This gender gap in labour force participation is much larger in India than in most other countries,” said Kalpana Kochhar, Deputy Director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department.