Gender inequality, female leadership, and aid allocation: A panel analysis of aid for education

The aid allocation literature has neglected gender-specific needs for aid. We assess the hypothesis that gender inequality in education is more likely to affect the aid allocation of donor countries with female leadership in the relevant ministry. We find no evidence for a needs-based allocation of aid for education, even though donors account for recipient needs in more general terms by targeting poorer countries. Female as well as male leaders appear to have rewarded countries with more years of schooling of all children, or specifically of girls. Our estimates indicate just minor gender differences in the allocation behaviour.

Kiel Institute Expert