In their guide to womenomics the Economist argues that the future of the world economy lies increasingly in female hands - perhaps the world's most under-utilized resource.
In poor countries too, the under-utilisation of women stunts economic growth. A study last year by the World Economic Forum found a clear correlation between sex equality (measured by economic participation, education, health and political empowerment) and GDP per head. Correlation does not prove the direction of causation. But other studies also suggest that inequality between the sexes harms long-term growth.
In particular, there is strong evidence that educating girls boosts prosperity. It is probably the single best investment that can be made in the developing world. Not only are better educated women more productive, but they raise healthier, better educated children. There is huge potential to raise income per head in developing countries, where fewer girls go to school than boys. More than two-thirds of the world's illiterate adults are women.
More on global female entrepreneurship and the IFC's work in this area.
Update: The New Economist focuses on the more jobs, more babies paradox.
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