By Cindy Sung

Abstract: The resource curse literature has primarily focused on uncovering causal mechanisms and conditions related to natural resources that lead to slow economic growth and increased conflict onset and duration. However, there remains a gap in understanding the extent to which the resource curse affects state development, particularly concerning social and humanitarian rights. This paper aims to address this gap by specifically examining the effects of natural resources on gender equality. By introducing a novel pathway causal mechanism that considers gender equality across all types of resources and levels of abundance, this study seeks to overcome limitations in both resource curse and resource-gender literature. The main argument put forth is that the ability of identified natural resources to create opportunities for women to enter the workforce serves as a key explanation for the observed variations in gender equality among countries rich in the same type of resource. Additionally, the study explores the higher levels of gender equality found in resource-scarce and resource-abundant states. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between natural resources and gender equality.