Institute for Gender and the Economy

Institute for Gender and the Economy is a leading research institute based at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, focused on advancing gender equality and economic growth through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations. The institute's work is informed by the research of prominent scholars like Nancy Folbre, Juliet Schor, and Marianne Ferber, and is aligned with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing Declaration. By engaging with experts from various fields, including Economics, Sociology, and Anthropology, the institute aims to promote a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between gender, economy, and society, as explored in the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Simone de Beauvoir.

● Introduction

The Institute for Gender and the Economy is dedicated to exploring the intersections of gender studies and economics, with a focus on the ways in which gender inequality affects economic outcomes and social welfare, as discussed in the research of Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, and Ester Duflo. By examining the experiences of individuals and groups, including women in business, LGBTQ+ communities, and indigenous peoples, the institute seeks to develop a more nuanced understanding of the economy and its impact on society, as reflected in the work of organizations like the World Economic Forum, OECD, and International Labour Organization. The institute's research is informed by a range of theoretical perspectives, including feminist economics, postcolonial theory, and critical race theory, as developed by scholars such as bell hooks, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

● History

The Institute for Gender and the Economy was established in 2013 with the support of the University of Toronto and the Rotman School of Management, building on the legacy of pioneering researchers like Rosa Luxemburg, Virginia Woolf, and Betty Friedan. The institute's founding director, Sarah Kaplan, played a key role in shaping its research agenda and establishing partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian Women's Foundation, Status of Women Canada, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Over the years, the institute has hosted numerous events and conferences, featuring speakers like Malala Yousafzai, Angela Davis, and Arundhati Roy, and has collaborated with researchers from institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the London School of Economics.

● Research_and_Initiatives

The Institute for Gender and the Economy is engaged in a range of research projects and initiatives, including studies on gender pay gap, women's entrepreneurship, and care work, as well as collaborations with organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the International Rescue Committee. The institute's researchers are also exploring the impact of technology and globalization on gender relations and economic outcomes, as discussed in the work of scholars like Sherry Ortner, Susan Sontag, and Naomi Klein. Additionally, the institute is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusion in the workplace, such as the 30% Club and the Women's Empowerment Principles, and is working with partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

● Leadership_and_Partnerships

The Institute for Gender and the Economy is led by a team of experienced researchers and practitioners, including its current director, Beatrix Dart, who has worked with organizations like the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, McKinsey & Company, and the World Economic Forum. The institute has established partnerships with a range of organizations, including the Toronto Stock Exchange, Royal Bank of Canada, and the Ontario government, as well as international organizations like the European Union, African Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. These partnerships enable the institute to leverage resources and expertise from multiple sectors, including business, government, and civil society, and to collaborate with researchers from institutions like MIT, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford.

● Impact_and_Publications

The Institute for Gender and the Economy has published numerous research reports and articles in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Economic Perspectives, Feminist Economics, and the Harvard Business Review, and has presented its research at conferences like the Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association, International Conference on Feminist Economics, and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The institute's research has been cited by policymakers and practitioners around the world, including the Government of Canada, European Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme, and has informed the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equality and economic growth, such as the Canadian Gender Budgeting Initiative and the EU's Gender Equality Strategy. The institute's publications are widely read by scholars, policymakers, and business leaders, including those at Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and the World Bank Group.

● Education_and_Outreach

The Institute for Gender and the Economy offers a range of educational programs and resources, including courses, workshops, and online modules, designed to promote gender literacy and economic literacy among students, professionals, and community leaders, in partnership with organizations like the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies, Rotman School of Management's Executive Education, and the Canadian Women's Foundation. The institute also engages in outreach and community-building activities, including public lectures, panel discussions, and social media campaigns, featuring speakers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Brené Brown, and Tarana Burke, and collaborations with organizations like the Toronto Public Library, CBC Radio, and the Globe and Mail. By promoting greater understanding and awareness of gender and economy issues, the institute aims to inspire positive change and contribute to the development of a more equitable and sustainable society, as envisioned by scholars like Karl Polanyi, E.P. Thompson, and Ivan Illich. Category:Research institutes