Gender Equality and Economic Growth in Asia and Africa: Empirical Analysis of Developing and Least Developed Countries

In recent years, politicians, theorists and academics have debated the impact of gender inequality on economic growth. Some studies show a negative relationship between the two variables, while other studies show a positive relationship. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of gender inequality on economic growth in developing and least developed countries in Asia and Africa. To evaluate the impact of gender equality on economic growth, I use panel vector autoregression analysis for data from 2010 to 2018. Next, the Arellano-Bond model was applied to provide a consistent estimation to support the previous model results. The results indicate a negative and significant relationship between the Gender Inequality Index and economic growth. Finally, through its results, this research aims to be a resource for stakeholders and policymakers to use in decisions regarding the promotion of gender equality and increases in social well-being in Asia and Africa.