Contents Foreword xiii Acknowledgments XV Abbreviations and data notes xvii Main messages XX Overview 2 Why does gender equality matter for development? What does this Report do?6 Where has there been the most progress in gender equality? 8 Where have gender inequalities persisted and why?13 What is to be done?22 The political economy of reforms for gender equality 35 A global agenda for greater gender equality 36 Notes 38 References 40 Introduction:A guide to the Report 46 Gender equality and development:Why do the links matter? 46 What does this Report do?48 Navigating this Report:A roadmap 50 Notes 51 References 51 Part I Taking stock of gender equality 54 1 A wave of progress 56 Times are changing?56 Rising global consensus for women's rights 57 Better outcomes for women in many domains 59 Change begets change 66 Notes 69 References 69v Contents Foreword xiii Acknowledgments xv Abbreviations and data notes xvii Main messages xx Overview 2 Why does gender equality matter for development? 2 What does this Report do? 6 Where has there been the most progress in gender equality? 8 Where have gender inequalities persisted and why? 13 What is to be done? 22 The political economy of reforms for gender equality 35 A global agenda for greater gender equality 36 Notes 38 References 40 Introduction: A guide to the Report 46 Gender equality and development: Why do the links matter? 46 What does this Report do? 48 Navigating this Report: A roadmap 50 Notes 51 References 51 Part I Taking stock of gender equality 54 1 A wave of progress 56 Times are changing? 56 Rising global consensus for women’s rights 57 Better outcomes for women in many domains 59 Change begets change 66 Notes 69 References 69