Women in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region represent a wealth of talent that is underutilized and preventing the region from growing at its full potential. In the current regional context, women experience even more acutely the many development challenges facing the region. Few women work: The average regional female labor force participation (FLFP) rate is 19%, compared to 73% of men. This compares to a global rate of 49%. But even women in the labor market struggle, with a third of young women being unemployed, and only 6% of firms having a woman as a top manager. The lack of safe transport, accessible quality childcare and adequate workplace conditions, in combination with restrictive social norms and legal frameworks, are among the factors that hinder women entering, staying and progressing in the labor market. In addition, there are particular challenges facing women and girls in the many fragile and conflict situations in the region, requiring an additional focus on their protection and human capital accumulation.
Overview
To contribute to gender equality results across the globe, the World Bank Group launched its Gender Strategy in 2024 which focuses on scale, knowledge, measurable results, partnerships, and delivering as One WBG across three strategic objectives; to end gender-based violence and elevate human capital; to expand and enable economic opportunities; and to engage women as leaders.To further contextualize, prioritize, and operationalize the Bank-wide strategy for our work in the MENAAP region we recently launched our Regional Gender Action Plan.
