How does gender inequality in education and labor force participation affect Afghanistan's economic growth?

Qiamuddin Andaish and Yogesh N. Vansiya
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Qiamuddin Andaish: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University,India
Yogesh N. Vansiya: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, India

Review of Socio - Economic Perspectives, 2025, vol. 10, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: This study examines the effect of gender inequality in education and laborforce participation on Afghanistan’s economic growth. Using time-series data from 2000 to 2022 and applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the results reveal that gender inequality in both employment and education significantly hinders economic growth. Particularly, a 1% increase in gender inequality in education leads to a 9.039% decline in economic growth, while a similar increase in labor force participation inequality results in a 16.67% reduction. These findings highlight the essential role of women’s full participation in education and the workforce as a key driver of economic growth. Policy recommendations emphasize expanding educational opportunities through scholarships and distance learning programs for girls and women, creatingemployment initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the labor market, and fostering national and international collaboration to drive political and structural reforms aimed at restoring gender equality. The study ultimately concludes that addressing gender inequality is not only a matter of human rights but also an economic necessity for Afghanistan’s long-term stability and development. Ensuring equal access to education and employment for women is imperative for fostering inclusive economic growthand breaking the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

Keywords: Gender inequality; Education; Labor force participation; Economic growth; and Afghanistan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I25 J16 J21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aly:journl:202356

DOI: 10.2478/rsep-2025-0009

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