Gender Equality

For all the progress women have made around the world, many gaps persist – the wage gap, poverty gap, education gap, technology gap, access-to-capital gap. The United States is working with OECD member countries to close these gaps by showing that countries can increase equity and growth – and do so without breaking the bank.

The United States is leading efforts at the OECD to identify, analyze and remedy barriers to women’s participation in the economy. Removing these obstacles can speed the global recovery and fight economic insecurity plaguing families around the world.

Following a formal request from the United States, the OECD launched the Gender Initiative in 2011, a multi-pronged effort involving governments, businesses and families. The OECD identifies gender gaps by gathering and producing comparative data across countries, in partnership with the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, United Nations and European Union.  Data-driven ideas are tested and strengthened through an Employer Engagement Network. Policy recommendations and solutions are peer-reviewed before publication. The OECD Gender Report, Closing the Gender Gap: Act Now, was delivered at the 2012 OECD Ministerial.

The Recommendation of the Council on Gender Equality in Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship (PDF 378 KB) released in May 2013 recommended that Members adopt practices through appropriate legislation, policies, monitoring and public awareness campaigns, that promote gender equality in these areas.