The Impact of Tax and Transfer Systems on Gender Equality

Promoting gender equality in societies is a priority for many governments, not only as a matter of fairness and human rights but also in terms of economic efficiency. Improving the design of tax and transfer systems can contribute to governments’ efforts to reduce gender inequality, increase economic participation and support a sustainable, gender-balanced recovery, with positive effects on economic growth over the long term. In co-operation with Italy, the OECD hosted a Ministerial panel discussion to explore how governments can ensure that tax and transfer systems are designed to support improved gender equality. It also identified what strategies could be employed to reduce gender gaps in tax policy design, while improving labour-force participation, the use of gender budgeting and the enhanced economic participation of women.