Abstract
This publication is the result of a participatory research process. A wide number of stakeholders with expertise on women’s economic empowerment in MENA countries contributed. It is a joint effort of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Arab Women Centre for Training and Research (CAWTAR). This report argues that greater women’s economic empowerment holds one of the keys. It asserts that despite challenges some countries are facing in guaranteeing women equal access to economic opportunity, progress is underway and can be further nurtured through targeted, inclusive and coordinated policy actions. This report analyses recent legislative, policy and institutional reforms in support of women’s economic empowerment in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia and seeks to identify success factors that have helped anchor reform.Moreover, it delivers actionable examples and practical tools for policy makers to help them transform policies into effective actions for women’s economic empowerment.