Published on: 2026-05-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The reduction of state expenditures on debt servicing will lead to the loss of 55 million jobs among women and a decrease in incomes by 17 percent. This is stated in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, based on data from 85 developing countries.
Debt repayments and women’s employment
In the new report titled “Who Pays for This? Gender Inequality and Public Debt,” it is noted that as expenditures for debt servicing increase, government spending on healthcare and social protection decreases, which limits the population’s access to essential services and formal employment.
This mostly affects women, who more often than men suffer due to job loss, reduced income, and an increase in unpaid labor at home for their loved ones.
“Human price” of debt
“Sovereign debt is not a mathematical problem, but a human one. This analysis in a new way shows how burdensome debt payments reduce the budgetary capacity of governments worldwide and lead to cuts in crucial social services, with women paying the highest price for this,” said UNDP Administrator Aleksandr De Croo.
“For example, when funding for care services [for elderly people or people with limited capabilities] is reduced, responsibility falls on the household, mainly on women, which limits their economic opportunities. Ultimately, debt management strategies should preserve room for investment in the social sphere and care systems,” he added.
Long-term consequences
The report states that in the short term, jobs that provide employment to 55 million women are at risk, and in the long term – 92.5 million if the debt burden of countries increases.
A decrease in the female population by 17 percent is also forecasted, while the male population will remain unchanged. An increase in maternal mortality by 32.5 percent is also predicted. In addition, a decrease in life expectancy is expected both for women and for men.
Such consequences indicate a rollback in development, and this tendency may strengthen under the conditions of the current military escalation in the Middle East. Thus, against the backdrop of instability in energy markets and inflation, the budgetary space is further shrinking, often at the expense of social investments.
Gender coverage neutrality
The report emphasizes the importance of including gender analysis in every decision on public borrowing.
“Debt management strategies are important for everyone, but when government revenues shrink due to debt payments, women are the first to lose their jobs, access to services, and economic stability. That is why it is necessary to include a gender assessment of the consequences in the decision-making process, to protect key investments in social infrastructure and the welfare system,” noted UNFPA representative Raquel Lagunas.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.