Gender inequality in the Middle East and North Africa: Women's participation in economic and public life

Daunting legislative, economic and social barriers to women’s participation in economic and public life persist. Despite enshrining the principles of non-discrimination and equality between men and women in constitutions and labour legislation, gender inequalities in the broader legislative framework and in practice continue to affect women’s effective access to employment and career development. Furthermore, some sectors where women account for the majority of the workforce are not regulated or protected by labour law provisions.