(2022-2024) supported by International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Since February 2022, the Russia-Ukraine War (RUW) has caused trade disruptions and artificial supply shortages on world markets, including for energy, fertiliser and food products. Many countries in the Global South are now suffering the economic consequences of these disruptions. To analyse these impacts and identify and design suitable response and mitigation measures, PEP partnered with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and Economic Research Forum (ERF) for a collaborative research program implemented over two phases where researchers used computable general equilibrium and micro-simulation modelling techniques to make policy recommendations. In the second phase, in particular, which was concluded in 2024, local researchers provided a gender-sensitive analysis of the economic impacts of the conflict and of counteracting macroeconomic policies in Egypt and Kenya. They particularly looked at how the shocks affect women in the labor market, as household heads, their poverty, and their nutrition, as well as the effects on gender inequality.
Find out more in this news story – Prof. Jane Mariara Highlights Disproportionate Impacts of Global Shocks at African Economic Conference
Read about the findings in greater details below.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War (RUW) has revealed significant vulnerabilities in the economies of Egypt and Kenya, particularly among women. Gender disparities in employment, income, and access to resources have intensified because of economic shocks stemming from the conflict. Both Egypt and Kenya have experienced economic disruptions due to their reliance on imports and volatile global markets. Egypt’s dependence on cereals and oilseeds has resulted in heightened food insecurity, while Kenya faces rising production costs driven by fuel and fertilizer imports. Women, particularly those in agriculture and informal sectors, are disproportionately affected by these challenges. Additionally, women in Egypt face higher unemployment rates and lower labor market participation compared to men, exacerbating existing inequalities. Food security for women has deteriorated significantly, with limited access to essential resources worsening their socioeconomic status.
Against this context, local researchers found that tailored policies were crucial for mitigating these effects and advancing gender equality in both countries. While Egypt’s food subsidies and Kenya’s fuel subsidies have provided some relief, they fail to adequately address the unique challenges faced by women. Gender-targeted policies, such as cash transfers for households led by or including poor women, have demonstrated stronger impacts on reducing poverty and improving household consumption. The research underscores the need for inclusive economic strategies to address the unique vulnerabilities of women and promote sustainable development.
