Waiting for the bloom: Correcting policy biases against Arab women's economic rights

This paper focuses on the potential of policy reforms to address a host of structural biases. It argues that gender blindness and discriminatory approaches have not only impacted negatively on women, but have also placed the Arab region as a whole at the bottom of global performers in terms of growth, economic participation, productivity and employment. It will as well unpack the elements of a gender focused inclusive approach to economic growth where a balanced understanding of women’s economic role and their care burdens form the basis for sound governance and economic management. The paper identifies a range of considerations that would facilitate a closer link between economic policy and social and political policy, and ensures that macroeconomic policy leads to positive impacts at the micro level.