Genre et commerce

In the context of high rates of unemployment among young people in the Arab Mediterranean countries, along with the shrinking demand in the public sector, high-potential growth companies (start-ups) and entrepreneurship have increasingly been promoted as a means to drive job creation and generate value in these economies. During the past five years, an ecosystem has emerged, composed of public and private institutions dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. As a result, various programmes aiming to raise the capacities of young entrepreneurs are expanding. The policy paper “Raising the capacities of young entrepreneurs: Best practices and recommendations” examines five Arab Mediterranean Countries, namely Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt, in order to analyse the existing programmes that support entrepreneurship. It highlights best practices targeted at students, wannabe entrepreneurs and start-up founders, by taking into account the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey i.e. from the idea to the growing phase. Looking into the main policies introduced to foster entrepreneurship, the paper raises the issue of sourcing high-quality projects and the importance of tailored support to empower and inspire the youth at an earlier age. The author underlines several loopholes in the entrepreneurship support chain and puts forward recommendations for actions at the national and regional level.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at one of the most critical turning points in its modern history. The Arab spring was driven by the desire for economic opportunity and justice in the face of poverty and unemployment. The development of strong economies that enable both women and men to enhance their livelihoods is crucial for the future of the region. The growth and success of women-owned businesses is one of the most profound changes in the business world today. There is no doubt that women are an emerging market force. However, many businesswomen are not accessing commercial credit, an essential driver of business success. Lack of access to finance and financial services is repeatedly identified as the major constraint for women business owners. This report 'ready for growth: solutions to increase access to finance for women-owned business in the Middle East and North Africa', is designed to shed a light on those barriers. It is the result of a unique International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnership with vital voices and the Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen's Network (MENA BWN). Its purpose is to fill a critical gap in our knowledge of what women-owned businesses need in terms of financial products and services. Building on our knowledge of how commercial banks currently reach the women's market, this survey data can provide banks in MENA with information to better serve women business owners.

This paper discusses the potential impact of the Arab uprisings that were sparked in December 2010 on the existing barriers to equality of economic opportunity. It was commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a background paper for the Expert Group Meeting convened from 21 to 22 May 2013 on Women and Economic Empowerment in the Arab Transitions, and revised with comments from the meeting. The research for this paper was completed in May 2013 but it has, to the extent possible, been updated to reflect current events up until July 2013. The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview of the existing barriers to equality of opportunity in the Arab region, setting a baseline against which future progress and regression can be measured and identifying entry points to promote progress and avoid regression.

The overall objective of phase 2 of the ATA program is to support the Member countries of the Agadir agreement in enhancing the implementation of the agreement through establishing necessary systems and structures to bring down technical barriers to trade. Aspects of gender, good governance, anti-corruption and environmental protection are woven into the activities of the project. Competence in issues of gender, good governance, anti-corruption and environmental protection will specifically be part of the transfer of knowledge to the ATU as well as being the guiding light in all of the activities.

The report highlights that While no specific “gender-related objectives” were defined in the UNIDO programme, it did take initial steps towards demonstrating good practices in mainstreaming gender aspects into QI development. The Programme capitalized on an opportunity to demonstrate good practices in gender equality, but mainly through awareness raising and the way it delivered its assistance. For instance, reporting on results was disaggregated according to gender. Since the relationship between gender equality and QI development is not obvious, no specific, gender-related objectives were defined. Interviews indicated that as an outcome, awareness on gender issues has been raised among those experts and beneficiaries interviewed during the mission. Awareness on gender is also reflected by AIDMO’s idea to consider the development of a “gender strategy”.