The persistent inequality between women and men constrains society to lower levels of productivity and economic growth. The evidence for taking corrective action is now more compelling than ever. This report draws on case studies and other evidence to show how public policy can and should support services and infrastructure where the social returns are the highest and the use by women the greatest. It reviews progress made to date on gender issues and explores why inequalities persist. The report also stimulates ideas for creative solutions by pointing out innovative and less-than-obvious strategies that have proved successful. In Morocco, for instance, a study shows that paving the public road to school increases a girl's probability of attending classes by 40 percent. Also available: "Toward Gender Equality: The Role of Public Policy on CD-ROM" (ISBN 0-8213-3471-9) Stock No. 13471.
