Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Economic Impact of Closing the Gender Pay Gap

The gender gap in pay and access to resources has far-reaching consequences that affect women, their children, families, and communities. Despite the fact that women are paid less than men for the same job in at least 93 countries worldwide, there is still denial of women’s economic equality. Closing this gap could potentially provide a $7 trillion boost to the global economy, as estimated by the United Nations. This issue is at the forefront of discussions among world leaders who are meeting in Washington, D.C., for talks facilitated by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a supporter of “NewsHour,” is among those advocating for a more equitable economy. Her presence at such events underscores the importance of addressing these disparities. In an interview with William Brangham, Gates emphasized the significance of achieving gender equality in economic matters. The conversation delved into ways in which closing the gender gap could benefit not only women but society as a whole.