Celebrating Progress on International Women’s Day in the MENA Region
Every year on International Women’s Day, the World Bank reflects on the significant advancements women are making in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This occasion serves not only to honor these achievements but also to spotlight the systemic barriers that still hinder women’s progress.
Educational Advancements and Labor Market Challenges
Recent statistics reveal that women in MENA countries are achieving higher educational attainments than men. They enjoy a year more of school-adjusted learning and account for 43% of tertiary education enrollments, compared to 39% of men. However, despite these educational gains, women face profound challenges in the labor market.
Barriers such as access to affordable and safe childcare and transportation remain significant hurdles that limit their mobility and job opportunities. Additionally, legal restrictions and prevailing social norms often confine women’s choices and capacities to pursue careers outside the home. This context contributes to the MENA region holding the world’s lowest female labor force participation rate, at a mere 19%, compared to a global average of 48%.
Notable Progress in Jordan
Despite these obstacles, we are witnessing commendable progress in some countries. In Jordan, comprehensive reforms aim to enhance women’s participation in the workforce. The World Bank supports initiatives focusing on improving access to finance, promoting entrepreneurship, and addressing societal norms.
Through the newly established Country Partnership Framework, the Bank aligns its efforts with Jordan’s Vision for Economic Modernization, targeting a doubling of female labor force participation from 14% to 28% by 2033.
Saudi Arabia’s Reformative Journey
Saudi Arabia presents another inspiring example. The country undertook significant reforms aimed at facilitating women’s entry into the workforce, which has seen the female labor participation rate soar from 22% to 35%, surpassing previous targets. These changes demonstrate the impactful results of targeted policy shifts.
Women’s Economic Empowerment in Egypt
In Egypt, the World Bank has collaborated with the government to improve women’s access to housing benefits. Initiatives include establishing criteria for ownership and rental subsidies that prioritize women-headed households, resulting in a notable increase in female housing ownership to 20%.
Access to Finance in Morocco and Tunisia
Efforts to promote female entrepreneurship are also in full swing in Morocco and Tunisia. The Bank has aided access to private equity for numerous women-led startups and small and medium enterprises while providing essential business skills training to empower women entrepreneurs.
Knowledge Exchange Initiatives in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, the launch of a Gender Center for Excellence exemplifies a commitment to addressing gender issues through research and knowledge sharing. Additionally, the Regional Network in Energy for Women aims to enhance women’s representation in the energy sector—a field traditionally dominated by men.
Economic Benefits of Gender Inclusion
The urgency for gender equality is underscored by World Bank research indicating that closing gender employment gaps could lead to a 51% increase in per capita income across typical MENA countries. This substantial potential highlights the necessity of empowering women as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and community development.
The MENA Regional Gender Action Plan (RGAP 2025-2030)
The World Bank has developed the MENA Regional Gender Action Plan (RGAP 2025-2030), providing a structured roadmap to bolster women’s empowerment in the region. This action plan encompasses five critical areas designed to dismantle barriers to women’s inclusion:
- Employment: Expanding job opportunities and improving workplace conditions through policies like parental leave and anti-discrimination laws.
- Entrepreneurship & Assets: Supporting women-led enterprises via credit access and legal reforms for property ownership.
- Services: Ensuring inclusive access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure tailored to the needs of women and girls.
- Care Economy: Enhancing childcare services to facilitate workforce participation.
- Gender-Based Violence: Improving legal frameworks and public safety to create secure environments for women.
Collaborative Action for Change
Achieving the goals set forth in the action plan requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, and communities. Engagement and collaboration are paramount to accelerating women’s economic participation.
Men, as allies, have a vital role in supporting women in their workplaces and communities. Shifting societal perceptions and dismantling entrenched stereotypes are essential for fostering real change.
A Call to Action for Inclusivity
On this International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to take tangible actions that promote inclusivity — be it mentoring young girls, supporting women-led businesses, or advocating for policies that remove barriers to women’s empowerment. Advancing the position of women is not merely an economic imperative; it is crucial for creating a better future for all.
The World Bank remains committed to fostering an environment where women can access fair wages, leadership opportunities, and a more equitable society, enhancing the potential of all communities in the MENA region.