Feminization of occupations and its effect on gender wage gap in South Mediterranean Countries

FEM43-08 | April 2019

Title

« Feminization of occupations and its effect on gender wage gap in South Mediterranean Countries »

By

Doaa M. Salman Professor of Economics and Finance Head of economics department – Associate Dean October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Egypt; Marina Adel (October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Egypt); Mona Said Professor of Economics Head of economics department American university in Cairo, Egypt); Vassilis Monastiriotis Associate Professor of Political Economy London School of Economics, UK European Institute, LSE

Contributeurs

October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Egypt; American University in Cairo, Egypt; London School of Economics, European Institute, LSE, UK

Note :

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union within the context of the EU-FEMISE project “Support to economic research, studies and dialogue of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership”.. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Summary :

The issue of gender equality in the labour market is an important one. For the MENA region, however, the issue is additionally important due to the traditional role that women play in the economy and the cultural (including religious) beliefs that drive gender relations in these countries.
Focusing on Egypt and Jordan, the study produces policy recommendations in two directions:
On the one hand, addressing the cultural and wider societal barriers to female employment which may be giving unequal access to jobs (both in occupational and in remuneration terms). On the other hand, developing enabling policies for increased female labour force participation, such as extension of childcare provision and especially maternity leave and pay.