The Impact of Women's Participation in Management on Economic Growth: A Case of Kurdistan Region

Abstract

Human capital is essential to the growth of the economy. However, despite steps to increase the participation of women in labour, there is still a huge gap when it comes to women representation in managerial positions. The main purpose of this study is to determine the impact of women’s participation in management on economic growth in the Kurdistan Region. The study presents a literature review highlighting empirical studies in other countries and how they have benefitted from women representation in management in their economies and where they are lacking. It is the aim of the research that some  lessons can be drawn from the different contexts in other countries and the results of the study be applied in the Kurdistan Region. The study revealed that there are many barriers to women ascending into managerial positions and lack of enforcement of anti-discrimination policies is one of the chief factors. In addition, countries that are deeply ingrained in men and women roles have a hard time having women in leadership positions. The study showed that a  lot still needs to be done at society level, organisational level and national level and if all of these players work well towards improving women participation in management, the economy can reap great rewards from it.