Are there countries in which the gender-based division of labor or disparities in resources or power between males and females are so small as to have minimal implications for human well-being, economic growth, and poverty reduction? We examine this issue here. To preview our conclusion: although some countries have more numerous or extreme gender disparities or forms of female (or male) disadvantage than others, no country is entirely free of the gender patterns that we know to be harmful for development and the improved well-being of the population. Possible gender-related barriers to growth and poverty reduction therefore need to be con- sidered in all countries. Engendering Development reaches three important conclusions about.
