SHOULD COMPETITIVENESS RANKINGS CONSIDER GENDER GAPS?

AN ANALYSIS FOR BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES

Abstract

Gender disparities persist in the economy and the labor market. The non-neutrality of public policies becomes evident when gender inequalities are overlooked, penalizing women in various aspects. Public policies are usually based on data, and if these data do not consider gender bias, public policies may penalize women. The inclusion of gender perspectives in competitiveness assessments is imperative for promoting fairness and justice. Our analysis reveals significant disparities in economic performance between original and gender-adjusted rankings, emphasizing the need for nuanced considerations in conventional assessments. Understanding these nuances is essential for informed policymaking, resource allocation, and sustainable development efforts.