Gender data are a critical input to achieving gender equality goals. Yet insufficient availability of and funding for gender data impede effective policymaking. Without high-quality gender data, it is impossible to understand gender differences in living conditions, opportunities, productivity, and other elements germane to development. Gender data are also critical to monitoring progress in empowering women and closing gender gaps. This policy note outlines the evolution, challenges, and priorities related to gender data that can inform not only World Bank Group operations but also highlight opportunities for engagement with external stakeholders. It summarizes the World Bank Group's programmatic experience in improving the availability, quality, processing, dissemination, and use of gender data
and offers recommendations.