Changing Laws and Breaking Barriers for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia
At a moment when many countries of the MENA region are looking to accelerate economic growth and build more stable, open societies, 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. Building on the conclusions of a first monitoring report released in 2017, the 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.
Key actors for reform
Previous chapters have outlined the areas where reform is still needed in order to advance on women’s economic empowerment in the MENA region. This chapter examines the key actors in the reform process – parliaments, the media, national human rights institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs). It reviews how they have contributed to the law-making process in the region, from drafting gender equality legislation through to implementation and enforcement. It draws on case studies in this chapter and from throughout the report to draw out lessons and recommendations.