Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth
FromMar 25, 2026 To Mar 25, 2026
Online Webinar
The Economic Research Forum (ERF), in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Economist for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) at the World Bank, is organizing a webinar to discuss the latest MENAAP Economic Update (October 2025), “Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth.”
Growth prospects in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) are gradually improving, broadly in line with global trends. Nevertheless, the region continues to face persistent structural challenges, including conflict, fragility, and displacement. Regional GDP is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2026, up from 2.3% in 2024, driven by stronger-than-expected performance in the Gulf Cooperation Council economies and developing oil-importing countries.
The report argues that job creation and full utilization of the region’s human capital are essential to accelerating growth and raising living standards. In this context, the persistently low levels of female labor force participation remain one of the most significant constraints on economic transformation in the MENAAP region.
The Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth report examines the range of barriers limiting women’s economic participation, including household dynamics, prevailing social norms, legal and regulatory constraints, and the limited dynamism of the private sector. It highlights how addressing these constraints can unlock substantial economic potential and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.
Agenda
Date
25/03/2026
Location
Online Webinar
Time
From 4:00 pm To 5:00 pm
Speakers
Research Fellows
Jackline Wahba
Professor of Economics and Director of Research,...
Authors
Caglar Ozden
Deputy Chief Economist for the Middle East...
Speakers
Jesica Torres
Senior Economist, Office of the Chief Economist...
Research Fellows
Leila Baghdadi
Senior Economist, MENA Chief Economist Office, World...
Research Fellows
Racha Ramadan
Professor, Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences,...
Research Fellows
Shireen AlAzzawi
Teaching Professor, Economics Department, Leavey School of...