UNDP finds rising debt burden costs women 22 million jobs in developing countries
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 4
UNDP finds rising debt burden costs women 22 million jobs in developing countries
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 4
Based on 30 years of data from 85 countries, the report says long-term losses exceed 38 million jobs and women’s income per capita falls 17% when debt burdens rise.
UNDP administrator Alexander De Croo said governments cutting social spending to meet debt repayments hit women hardest because they dominate education and care work and absorb extra unpaid caring duties.
The agency warned the Middle East war could worsen debt stress through higher energy, fertiliser and interest costs; 56 countries already spend more than 10% of revenue on debt servicing.
As global debt soars, can tying relief to women's welfare prevent the next economic collapse?
Is the global financial system itself the biggest barrier to gender equality?
UNDP Report Warns 92.5 Million Women’s Jobs at Risk from Sovereign Debt Crisis
Overview
The UNDP's April 2026 report reveals a severe gendered job crisis in developing countries driven by high sovereign debt servicing costs. These costs force governments to implement austerity measures, cutting public spending and causing immediate risk to 55 million women's jobs, with long-term risks rising to 92.5 million. Austerity also weakens public health systems, leading to higher maternal mortality and lower life expectancy, while increasing women's unpaid care burden and reducing their income. Global shocks like Middle East conflicts and soaring oil prices worsen financial pressures, narrowing fiscal space and deepening austerity. Without gender-sensitive debt relief and investment in social services, millions of women face poverty and exclusion, threatening sustainable development and equality.