Biljana Barakovic, Dijana Grahovac
Gender equality is a multidimensional concept encompassing economic, cultural, and social dimensions. Previous studies have largely focused on statistical indicators related to the increased presence of women in the workforce, segmented by business sectors, education levels, marital status, age, etc. This article examines the impact of gender equality on macroeconomic and socio-economic indicators, with a particular emphasis on the indirect effects of increased female workforce participation on macroeconomic developments. The significance of this study lies in its analysis of the indirect outcomes of gender equality. Through empirical research focusing on case studies in Japan and the USA, this paper utilizes regression analysis to demonstrate that increased female workforce participation contributes to the growth of service sectors related to childcare, dual-income households, and the restaurant industry. These factors collectively influence GDP growth in countries. The paper aims to measure the indirect impact of gender equality on GDP growth through factors such as social infrastructure and the development of the catering industry, exploring the economic potential available if the global gender gap is bridged, especially in sectors like education and food services.