More women taking part in economy means higher returns

There is a lucrative charm in advancing women's equality: countries in the Asia-Pacific region could add $4.5 trillion to their combined annual GDP by 2025, a 12 percent increase over the business-as-usual trajectory. In particular, China's economy could increase by $2.6 trillion - 13 percent above the business-as-usual course - if it pursues gender parity, according to a McKinsey research report issued last month.

The 240-page report that analyzes the high gender inequality in the Asia-Pacific and details deliverable ways of change is a laudable public service by McKinsey, a global management consulting firm.