Women at work and in society: the state of play

Gender equality in economic activity can generate substantial macroeconomic gains. This chapter provides an overview of women’s economic activity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. It reveals some areas of progress, especially towards achieving gender parity in education, and representation in decision-making positions. Yet, for the majority of women in MENA, significant improvement in education is not translating into more economic empowerment. The chapter investigates the status of female labour force participation in MENA, including aspects reflecting women’s economic activity such as unemployment, occupational segregation, earnings, working condition, and entrepreneurship, including critical enabling factors such as access to assets and finance. Finally, the chapter looks at how conditions for women at home and in society undermine their agency and freedom of choice. These include restrictive and discriminatory norms and practices, unpaid care work, and difficulties in balancing work and domestic demands.