Gender Equality, Economic Growth and Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire: A Quantitative Analysis

In this paper, we develop a three-period gender-based Overlapping Generations (OLG)
model of economic growth for Côte d’Ivoire by endogenizing life expectancy and linking
growth and poverty. We then calibrate the model using the country-specific data to illustrate
the role of public policies in the model, and its implications for long-term growth, gender
equality, and poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. To this end, we discuss three sets of quantitative
experiments: broad-based development policies (increase in education spending and
infrastructure investment, and governance reform), gender-based policies (reduction in
gender bias in the market place, increase in women’s bargaining power, and reduction in
family bias against girls’ education), and a composite reform program (combination of progrowth,
pro-gender policies). Overall, our findings suggest that Côte d’Ivoire could achieve
better growth and poverty outcomes if the country could implement a composite reform
program that includes comprehensive development and gender-based policies.