The term gender refers to the social, economic, and cultural attributes, roles, and opportunities associated with being male or female. It encompasses the socially constructed norms, behaviors, and relations that shape how women and men interact and the expectations placed upon them in different societies. Being a man or a woman is therefore not determined solely by biological or physical differences, but by the social and institutional contexts that define what is considered appropriate for each. These gendered expectations influence the types of work men and women perform—whether paid or unpaid, formal or informal—as well as their access to education, resources, and decision-making. Such differences have significant implications for equality and development, as they can reinforce disparities in income, political representation, and social status, and limit the full participation and potential of all individuals in economic and social progress.
