[Policy Brief] Gender and Labor Markets: Closing the Gap through Inclusive Social Insurance

Problem
Women earn 20% less than men; over 80% of working women in Africa & Asia are informal and excluded from social insurance. Unpaid care work remains invisible in policy.

Evidence

• Childcare programs (Chile, Sweden) raise female employment.

• Pension credits for care reduce old-age poverty.

• Equal pay laws work only with strong enforcement.

Policy Options

1. Expand childcare subsidies.

2. Redesign pensions to include care credits and micro-contributions.

3. Recognize unpaid care in statistics & policy.

4. Enforce wage transparency and penalties.

Impact
Inclusive SP enables women’s full participation, raising GDP and reducing inequality across generations.