Brazil Can Boost Growth by Bringing More Women into the Labor Force

Brazil Can Boost Growth by Bringing More Women into the Labor Force

Priority reforms include improving childcare, recalibrating social transfers, and closing wage gaps. Credit: IMFBy Bunyada LaoprapassornWASHINGTON DC, Feb 18 2026 (IPS) When Brazil’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2 percent in November 2025—the lowest in a quarter century—it punctuated an impressive turnaround from the pandemic. Yet, while men’s participation in the labor market has returned to its pre-COVID trend, women have fallen behind signi…