CHIGGAI: Gender Inequality and GBV costing Kenya a fortune; it’s time for change

Gender-based violence (GBV) and gender inequality are not just social injustices; they are significant economic barriers that weaken Kenya’s GDP by limiting productivity, reducing labor force participation, and perpetuating poverty. 

While discussions on economic growth often center on infrastructure and policy reforms, the hidden cost of gender inequality and GBV is often overlooked. According to World Bank data, violence against women can drain up to 3.7% of a country’s GDP—an amount that exceeds what many nations allocate to education. 

In Kenya, where economic development is crucial for national progress, failing to address these issues means sacrificing substantial economic potential.

GBV directly affects economic output by reducing productivity. Survivors often miss work due to physical or psychological trauma, leading to absenteeism, job losses, and reduced efficiency. 

In countries like Vietnam, productivity losses due to intimate partner violence were estimated at 1.81% of GDP in 2018. South Africa recorded a 1.3% GDP loss from GBV in 2014. 

While similar studies on Kenya are limited, the economic impact is undeniable. Additionally, GBV places a significant burden on healthcare and legal systems. 

Survivors require medical care, mental health support, and legal interventions, all of which strain public resources. Social support programs, shelter services, and police responses to GBV cases further divert government funds that could otherwise be used for economic development.

Gender inequality is another major economic setback. Women’s participation in the labor force remains significantly lower than men’s. 

Globally, only 47% of women are active in labor markets compared to 72% of men, and Kenya mirrors this disparity. Many women are locked out of formal employment due to cultural norms, limited access to education, and discrimination in hiring practices. 

If Kenya could bridge this gender employment gap, it would unlock billions in economic potential, as seen in emerging markets where closing the gender gap boosts GDP by up to 8%. 

Even when women do participate in the workforce, they face wage disparities and limited career advancement. The gender pay gap and underrepresentation of women in high-paying industries result in substantial economic losses. 

Global data suggests that gender inequality in earnings leads to a loss of $23,620 per person in wealth. In Kenya, where women dominate the informal sector and frequently earn lower wages than men in similar roles, addressing pay inequality could significantly increase household incomes and national productivity.

Missed opportunities in education and business further deepen the economic impact of gender inequality. 

Women entrepreneurs in Kenya face significant barriers in accessing credit, investment, and business expansion opportunities. Many lack collateral or struggle to secure funding due to gender biases in financial institutions. 

If more women were empowered through better access to education and financial resources, the country would benefit from increased economic output, higher employment rates, and a more resilient economy. 

The European Union estimates that achieving gender parity could boost its GDP per capita by 9.6% by 2050, a trend that Kenya could also follow by implementing gender-inclusive policies.

Addressing GBV and gender inequality is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. 

The government must strengthen policies and legal frameworks to ensure stricter enforcement against GBV, workplace harassment, and wage discrimination, creating a fair economic environment for all. 

Businesses should actively promote women’s economic inclusion by implementing gender-sensitive hiring, fair pay policies, and mentorship programs that support women’s career growth. 

Increased investment in education and skills training is crucial to providing equal access to quality education and vocational training, enabling women and girls to participate in high-paying industries. 

Supporting women entrepreneurs by easing access to credit, providing grants, and offering incentives for female-led businesses will further accelerate economic growth.

Beyond policy and economic shifts, societal change is necessary. Media campaigns, community engagement, and education programs must challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage gender equality at all levels. 

Strengthening support systems for GBV survivors—such as shelters, legal aid, and mental health services—will help survivors rebuild their lives and contribute productively to the economy.

Let us commit to more than just conversation, let us take bold steps toward gender equality. When women thrive, economies grow, families prosper, and societies become stronger. The future of Kenya depends on how we invest in the potential of every citizen. The time for change is now.

The author, Harriatte Chiggai is President William Ruto’s special advisor on Women’s Rights