The World Bank’s MENAAP Economic Update 2025, titled “Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth,” highlights that the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region faces persistently low female labor force participation—around 20 % of working-age women—representing a major missed opportunity for growth. The report emphasizes that a combination of social norms, household responsibilities, legal and institutional barriers, and weak private sector demand limits women’s economic engagement. It argues that closing the gender gap in employment could raise income per capita by 20–30 % in several countries, noting that partial reforms are insufficient without comprehensive action across legal, social, and market systems. The World Bank calls for coordinated reforms to unlock women’s potential, promote inclusive job creation, and boost the region’s long-term economic resilience.
Key Insights
Huge untapped potential in women’s participation: The region stands to gain significantly by integrating more women into the workforce.
Low female labor force participation (FLFP) is driven by multiple, interacting causes—not just cultural norms.
Household & social norms: Decisions at the household level, caregiving responsibilities, and gender roles weigh heavily on women’s ability to join paid work.
Legal & institutional constraints: Discriminatory laws, weak protections in labor markets (especially private sector), and limited support for working mothers hinder participation.
Private sector weakness: The demand side is weak—many businesses do not create jobs suitable for women or adapt to encourage their hiring.
Large economic payoff: In certain economies, expanding women’s labor participation could boost per capita incomes by 20–30 %.
Demographic pressure: The working-age population is growing rapidly (expected increase of ~40 % by 2050), intensifying the need to utilize all talent.
Partial reforms are insufficient: Piecemeal solutions won’t work; comprehensive reform packages are needed across social policy, legal frameworks, markets, and institutions.
Conflict & instability as headwinds: In countries with conflict or fragility, progress is harder and the constraints on women’s participation are magnified.
Need for alignment across actors: Governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations must coordinate to address cultural, legal, and economic barriers simultaneously.
