The social and legal discrimination that relegates hundreds of women to subordinate or marginal economic roles has a huge aggregate cost.

Arancha Gonzalez’s quote highlights the significant impact of social and legal discrimination that forces many women into subordinate or marginal economic roles. She argues that this form of inequality not only harms individual women but also has a huge aggregate cost on society as a whole. By restricting women’s access to equal opportunities in the economic and legal spheres, society loses out on the potential contributions of half its population, leading to inefficiencies and stunted economic growth.

The phrase “subordinate or marginal economic roles” points to the persistent gender gap in employment, wages, and career advancement, which remains a global issue despite efforts toward gender equality. Gonzalez is emphasizing how discriminatory practices—whether through unfair wages, limited career options, or gendered expectations—reduce women’s capacity to fully participate in the economy. This results in an underutilization of talent, which not only harms women but also slows down overall societal progress.

By referring to the huge aggregate cost, Gonzalez suggests that the consequences of such discrimination extend beyond individuals and affect the broader economy. The lack of equal participation in the workforce contributes to economic inefficiency, as resources (in the form of talented women) are not being fully harnessed. These costs can manifest in lower productivity, slower economic growth, and a widening gap between different socioeconomic groups, which deepens inequality.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Gonzalez’s work as an economist and international trade expert, where she has often spoken about the importance of gender equality in achieving economic development. As someone who has held leadership positions in global institutions, she advocates for legal reforms and social changes that address discrimination and empower women to contribute more fully to economic progress. Her work aligns with broader efforts to reduce gender inequality as a critical factor for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide.