International Capital Flows: Identifying the Gender Dimension

Abstract This paper explores the main issues involved in examining the gender impact of international capital flows to developing countries. It argues that at the macroeconomic level women lose more than men from slow and/or unstable economic growth, financial crises and meltdowns, the more so the longer and deeper the economic downturn. This is largely due to the fact that, in the absence of a publicly provided social security system, the family and therefore women have to bear many additional burdens. The paper urges that women should formulate an agenda of their own with respect to international monetary reform and outlines some proposals.