The IMF is preparing its first strategy to mainstream gender. Mainstreaming gender at the IMF begins with recognizing that many gender disparities are macro-critical and that economic and financial policies can exacerbate or narrow them. In addition to their own intrinsic benefits, improving women’s access to opportunities and decision-making roles goes hand-in-hand with higher economic growth, greater economic and financial stability and resilience, and lower inequality. Attention to gender has never been more urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing gaps, disproportionately affecting women.

Learn more about the IMF’s proposed Gender Strategy: Download the Concept Note

The proposed strategy aims to integrate gender into the Fund’s surveillance, lending, and capacity development. It is focused on the Fund’s areas of expertise, namely, macroeconomic and financial policy and analysis. It does not consider all aspects of gender issues. A good foundation of past work, including country pilots, capacity development initiatives, and analytical research have paved the way (IMF Gender Website). The proposed gender strategy also seeks to complement the efforts of other organizations that have had a head start in this field. This proposal will be submitted for consideration and approval to the IMF’s Executive Board in Spring 2022.

The IMF values engagement with partners and stakeholders to shape its analysis and policies. In that regard, we have had constructive engagements on our gender work over the last several years through calls, CSO policy forum sessions, or dedicated events. Inputs from these engagements were considered in the first gender strategy proposal to the Board on February 9. We are now opening an online public consultation with this concept note. The note explains the rationale for mainstreaming gender at the IMF, focusing on the macro-criticality of gender gaps, in accordance with the Fund’s mandate. It distills the key elements of the proposed strategy. Partnering with external stakeholders would be vital to enhance efficacy and leverage impact.

Consultations with external partners will take place during February 10 – March 23, 2022.