Women’s Status in Economics: Evidence From Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Why It Matters

Understanding the precise leakage points in each nation enables policymakers and universities to design effective, targeted actions, accelerating gender equity in a field that shapes global economic policy. Without such tailored approaches, the persistent rank gradient will continue to limit diverse perspectives in economic research and decision‑making.

Key Takeaways

• Colombia loses women from undergrad to master’s (25‑30% female)
• India reaches majority women at master’s level (57%)
• South Africa achieves faculty parity, 42% female professors
• Ghana shows steepest drop, only 16% female faculty
• Rank gradient persists: women underrepresented at every senior rank

Pulse Analysis

The new IEA‑WE evidence base fills a critical data gap on gender representation in economics across the Global South. Prior research focused almost exclusively on the United States and Europe, leaving policymakers in developing regions without comparable metrics. By assembling systematic data from six diverse economies, the study reveals that while undergraduate enrollment for women can be near parity – as in Colombia and India – the transition to graduate studies and faculty positions often stalls, creating country‑specific leakages in the pipeline.

These findings have immediate implications for university administrators and development agencies. In South Africa, for example, women now comprise over 40% of economics faculty, suggesting that targeted recruitment and mentorship programs can yield rapid gains. Conversely, Ghana’s persistent 16% female faculty share and declining PhD enrollment highlight the need for sustained investment in research funding and supportive work environments. Tailoring interventions to the identified bottleneck—whether it is postgraduate entry, the PhD‑to‑faculty transition, or promotion to senior ranks—offers a more efficient path to gender parity than blanket policies.

Beyond academia, the gender composition of economics scholars influences the breadth of policy analysis that informs governments and international institutions. Diverse research teams are more likely to address a wider range of socioeconomic issues, from labor market dynamics to social safety nets, which can lead to more inclusive and effective policy outcomes. The IEA‑WE report therefore not only charts the current state of women in economics but also provides a roadmap for leveraging gender diversity as a catalyst for better economic decision‑making worldwide.