The region also has the lowest proportion of female entrepreneurs, according to an OECD report that examines barriers to their employment in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The OECD estimates gender-based discrimination in laws and social norms costs the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region $575 billion a year. Unfair inheritance laws also put women at a disadvantage if they want to start a business or ask for a loan. Gabriela Ramos, OECD chief of staff, called for countries to embed gender equality in all their laws — and enforce them. "Gender equality is not only good for women, it's good for businesses, it's good for sound economies and it's good for happier societies," she said.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 11, 2017 23:03 UTC