The Influence of Gender Inequality on Economic Growth in Riau Province 2012-2021

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the average length of schooling, life expectancy, and labor force participation rates affect economic growth with productivity levels as intervening variables in Riau Province in 2012-2021. The data used in this study was secondary data, which is a combination of time series and cross-section. The analytical method used in this study was multiple linear regression analysis using theory and data related to research. The results showed that the average length of schooling for boys had a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the average length of schooling for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that the average length of schooling does not show gender inequality. Directly, the life expectancy for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, life expectancy for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that there is gender inequality in life expectancy. Directly, the labor force participation rate for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that there is no gender inequality in the labor force participation rate. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the average length of schooling for men has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the average length of schooling for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it was concluded that the average length of schooling does not have a relation to gender inequality. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the life expectancy rate for men has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, life expectancy for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it was concluded that there is a gender gap in life expectancy. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the labor force participation rate for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it can be concluded that there is a gender imbalance in the labor force participation rate. The results of this study were influenced by gender inequality in terms of education, health, and employment which are categorized as experiencing low inequality so that they do not have much impact on economic growth in Riau Province. From the education side, as seen from the average length of schooling, it has no effect on economic growth in Riau Province, as well as from a health perspective, the high life expectancy rate does not have a serious impact on economic growth in Riau Province. Keywords: Gender Inequality; Productivity; Economic Growth