The Gender, Institutions, and Development Data Base (GID-DB)  represents a new tool for researchers and policy makers to determine and analyse obstacles to women’s economic development. It covers a total of 160 countries and comprises an array of 60 indicators on gender discrimination.

The data base has been compiled from various sources and combines in a systematic and coherent fashion the current empirical evidence that exists on the socio-economic status of women. Its true innovation is the inclusion of institutional variables that range from intrahousehold behaviour to social norms.

Information on cultural and traditional practices that impact on women’s economic development is coded so as to measure the level of discrimination. Such a comprehensive overview of gender-related variables and the data base’s specific focus on social institutions make the GID unique, providing a tool-box for a wide range of analytical queries and allowing case-by-case adaptation to specific research or policy questions.

Questions, comments, feedback? Email DEV.Contact@oecd.org .