A research on the role of women in economic development in the BRICS countries

Abstract

Women account for almost half of the world population, however, their contribution to the economic development is rather limited due to significant gender imparity manifested in different aspects: from participation in decision-making and employment to incomes and property. The paper aims to explore and assess the potential of women empowerment to the benefits of economic growth in the BRICS countries. Methodologically, the paper relies on the theory of gender order and the interdisciplinary approach to the research of gender inequality. The study applies methods of systematisation, content analysis, and comparison of time series. By analysing a range of international organisations’ reports, the paper provides insight in the state of affairs with gender inequality in the BRICS countries looking at its key characteristics in the economic, educational, social, and political spheres. Using the World Bank data for 2000–2021, the paper examines women’s empowerment according to the dimensions accounted for in the UN Gender Inequality Index: empowerment, health, and labour market. The findings indicate that the BRICS countries are far behind in terms of delivering real justice to women’s empowerment. Among the five countries China and Russia seem to be putting the strongest efforts to reduce gender gap, Brazil demonstrates good dynamics, but has a long way to go, while South Africa and India confront many deep-rooted problems that strongly thwart their progress. The theoretical and practical significance of the study lies in the consolidation of the data on the problem of gender imparity as well as their interpretation in the context of supporting gender equal societies in the BRICS countries to promote the global spatial economic development.