COVID-19.Wider gender inequality in Arab labour markets: causes and solutions

Abstract

For decades, empowering women and encouraging gender equality has been a feature of all development protocols. Women suffer from a gender discrimination that is imposed by society. Specific regulations and rules have been brought in to give women more visibility in the labour market. Although women have proven themselves in many fields of work, to this day, gender stereotyping against women is very common in Arab society. Numerous well-paid jobs are inaccessible for women and assigned to men because of society’s mindset. Arab women’s lack of employment opportunities are hindering their abilities, ideas and innovation. There is, nonetheless, clearly a new generation of young women who are trying to move beyond the restrictions of the current economic situation. Currently in the 21st century, society’s view on women has changed slightly; as their role in the workforce has become more effective than in previous years. Now we can find women in almost every area of society; in work, education and even in government. There are countless arguments in favour of empowering young women so as they can lift, not only themselves, but the whole of society out of the poverty cycle, thereby enhancing economic growth..Scholars have highlighted the fact that if women were allowed to engage more in the workforce and received training on the latest technologies, this would strengthen productivity and accelerate path to development and growth and reduce unemployment. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has estimated that decreasing the gender gap by 25 percent will boost global GDP by $5.8 trillion by 2025, (ILO, 2019).