Industrialization can significantly contribute to poverty reduction and shared prosperity by promoting structural change, generating employment and facilitating more efficient use of resources. Its benefits, however, have not historically been enjoyed equally by all segments of the population.
The paper focuses on social inclusiveness and what forms of industrial development can lay the foundation for economic growth that is gender-equitable and sustained over the long term.
The first part develops an analytical structure for thinking about the multiple mechanisms through which gender relations interact with industrialization. The second analyses empirical evidence through the examination of three country case studies - Ethiopia, Jordan and Viet Nam. And the third explores potential gender implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.