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.
Women in the family and in society
Recent reforms on the labour and economic front to enhance women’s economic empowerment will have little impact if restrictive social norms and discriminatory legislation continue to hold women back. This chapter analyses the recent reform efforts and initiatives taken by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia to address restrictive social norms and discriminatory legislation regarding women’s position in the family and in society. Countries have taken action on equal rights in inheritance, marriage and nationality, and are beginning to tackle the high rates of violence against women and girls, though there is still a way to go.