Gender equality and public policy

Gender equality and public policy are strictly inter-related. On the one hand, public policies—which include childcare, maternity, paternity and parental leave—have a positive relationship with female employment rates and are thus advocated as a tool for accelerating progress toward gender equality. On the other hand, women as economic agents may themselves have an impact on policies: the changing role of women in families and societies and their greater representation in decision-making positions contribute to focusing and redirecting policy agenda toward items that ultimately reduce gender gaps. How to start this vital process is crucial yet difficult. It is particularly relevant at this time during the Covid-19 pandemic, owing to the risk of possibly exacerbating gender differences and enlarging the existing gender gaps.