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Barriers and opportunities to refugee women engaging in the digital economy in Jordan and Lebanon

The digital economy can offer a new and promising path forward for people seeking employment across the globe. Onli ... Show more
The digital economy can offer a new and promising path forward for people seeking employment across the globe. Online platforms are altering the future of work, reducing barriers to entry and blurring the distinction between formal and informal labor. In this new environment, innovative work models offer significant opportunity to the digitally literate and can improve livelihoods for vulnerable populations, including women and refugees, by allowing them access to flexible employment opportunities. In Jordan and Lebanon, the transition to digital work has occurred alongside an influx of Syrian refugees whose arrival has contributed to economic challenges, from increased unemployment to rising housing costs, and who face restrictions on working in both countries. While Jordan has moved to ease some barriers to employment for refugees, including online work, there are multiple challenges and constraints to employment in the digital economy for refugees in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the arrival of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 accelerated the shift to the digital space and created an even greater need for stakeholders to build programs that provide inclusive opportunities for women, including refugee women, in the digital economy. This report aims to explore the barriers and opportunities for refugee women to participate in the digital economy in Jordan and Lebanon. This report seeks to consider not only the microeconomic factors that impact the women's individual circumstances, but also to contribute to the dialogue around national policies and macroeconomic factors that can exacerbate their inability to find online work. The report offers initial findings and recommendations to development organizations, policymakers, and other private and public stakeholders seeking to address barriers to employment and to promote opportunities for refugee women in the digital workforce in these countries.
Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

Authors: Richardson, Eleonore; Van Daele, Elvira; Rasavac, Selma

Date: 2021

Geographic subjects: Jordan; Lebanon; Middle East

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Subjects: Labour market; Employment; Disadvantaged ... [+] Show more
Addressing employment obstacles for young Syrian refugee women

This Note builds on research covering the three countries with the highest concentration of Syrian refugees displac ... Show more
This Note builds on research covering the three countries with the highest concentration of Syrian refugees displaced since 2011: Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. It is intended to inform policymakers and practitioners on the barriers that Syrian refugees, especially women, face in securing work to earn a livelihood. This Note highlights initiatives designed to address those barriers, but does not enumerate all of them. While not specifically addressing internally-displaced persons (IDPs) within Syria, this Note could serve as a blueprint for examining and addressing many of the same barriers women face in Syria.
Excerpt from publication. Show less

Authors: Datta, Namita; Constant, Louay; Thawesaengskulthai, Natanee; Acheson-Field, Hannah

Date: 2020

Geographic subjects: Jordan; Syria; Lebanon ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Series name: Jobs notes (World Bank)

Subjects: Migration; Employment; Gender ... [+] Show more
Do education and income affect support for democracy in Muslim countries?: evidence from the Pew Global Attitudes Project

Using micro-level public opinion data from the Pew Global Attitudes Project 2005, this study investigates the effec ... Show more
Using micro-level public opinion data from the Pew Global Attitudes Project 2005, this study investigates the effect of educational attainment and income on support for democracy in five predominantly Muslim countries: Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Turkey. Holding all else constant and compared to not finishing primary education, this study finds that secondary education and higher education encourage support for democracy in Jordan, Lebanon and Pakistan. The results therefore suggest that support for democracy is a social benefit of education in Jordan, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Regarding income, the results indicate that relative to the poor, those belonging to middle-income groups are more supportive of democracy in Lebanon and Turkey. Curiously, there is no statistical relationship between belonging to the richest groups and supporting democracy.
Published abstract reprinted from 'Economics of education review', copyright 2010, with permission from Elsevier. Show less

Authors: Shafiq, M. Najeeb

Date: 2010

Geographic subjects: Asia; Europe; Indonesia ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Article

Journal title: Economics of education review

Subjects: Culture and society; Demographics; Higher education ... [+] Show more
The frustrated generation youth exclusion in Arab Mediterranean societies

In Arab Mediterranean countries (AMCs), insecurities and a lack of opportunities have continuously kept young peopl ... Show more
In Arab Mediterranean countries (AMCs), insecurities and a lack of opportunities have continuously kept young people from becoming independent and being full, active, and integrated members of society; a process commonly referred to as social exclusion. This paper explores the driving factors of youth exclusion in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia. It is argued that not only the extent but also the structure of social exclusion varies across countries. Based on the social exclusion framework developed by the UNDP [2011. Beyond Transition - Towards Inclusive Societies. Bratislava: United Nations Development Programme], we construct a social exclusion index that takes economic, social, and political factors into account. The results obtained indicate that the share of young people suffering from social exclusion is highest in Tunisia (46.7 per cent), followed by Algeria (43.4 per cent), Egypt (42.1 per cent), and Lebanon (33.2 per cent). In contrast to the prevailing assumptions on social exclusion, we find that economic exclusion does in fact play a minor role. The strongest driver of youth exclusion in all Arab Mediterranean countries is the exclusion from social and political life.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

Authors: Backeberg, Leonie; Tholen, Jochen

Date: 2018

Geographic subjects: Middle East; Africa; Algeria ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Article

Journal title: Journal of youth studies

Subjects: Youth; Disadvantaged; Employment
Refugees' right to work and access to labor markets: an assessment

For refugees, the right to work is vital for reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and securing dignity. Ha ... Show more
For refugees, the right to work is vital for reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and securing dignity. Harnessing refugees' skills can also benefit local economic activity and national development. But there are many obstacles. Based on a sample of 20 countries hosting 70 per cent of the world's refugees, this study investigates the role and impact of legal and normative provisions providing and protecting refugees' right to work within the 1951 Refugee Convention as well as from the perspective of non-signatory states. Three metrics analyze the principle determinants of the right to work and labor market access: refugee and employment law, policies and practices that facilitate or constrain the right to work, and mediating socioeconomic conditions.
Overall the study finds remarkable diversity in legal provisions and constraints on refugees' right to work. A restrictive approach to the right to work prevails, and most states are reluctant to ease these restrictions. The majority of refugees work in the informal sector, but under much less satisfactory and more exploitative conditions compared with nationals. Informal labor markets are also constrained in countries with fragile economies which often host large numbers of refugees. Based on its findings, the study concludes that more national and international coordination is required, multiple actors should share in the responsibility to deliver decent work, labor market policies as well as training and education should be harnessed to support sustainable livelihoods, and refugee social capital should be more effectively engaged.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Zetter, Roger; Ruaudel, Heloise

Date: 2016

Geographic subjects: Bangladesh;

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Series name: KNOMAD working paper and study series

Subjects: Employment; Labour market; Migration ... [+] Show more
Tripartite Sector Skills Bodies

Tripartite Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) aim to increase and strengthen the involvement of industry, both employers a ... Show more
Tripartite Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) aim to increase and strengthen the involvement of industry, both employers and workers, in the way skill systems are governed and operate. SSBs have a long history in many countries and are now attracting renewed attention as more countries adopt a sectoral approach to skills development. Drawing on existing research on SSBs and ongoing ILO country level support to constituents as they establish or review sector skills bodies, this policy brief outlines some of the issues that need to be addressed when establishing and operating SSBs. The brief examines the different mandates and structures that have been adopted internationally and presents a number of key actions that will improve the likelihood of sustainable SSBs being established.
Excerpts from publication. Show less

Corporate authors: International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Date: 2021

Geographic subjects: Australia; Bangladesh; Barbados ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Series name: ILO brief

Subjects: Skills and knowledge; Industry; Governance ... [+] Show more
Boosting gender equality in science and technology: a challenge for TVET programmes and careers

While technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has the potential to bolster the participation of wome ... Show more
While technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has the potential to bolster the participation of women in the labour market, this potential is not always well understood and capitalized on. In general, female students are lowly represented in TVET compared to general programmes, and in particular girls and women tend to be under-represented in the fields that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and knowledge. In addition to being required for 'traditional' and 'emerging' occupations, STEM skills and knowledge are often needed for the so-called 'jobs of the future', driving innovation, inclusive growth and sustainable development. Greater female participation in these programmes and careers can potentially contribute to their empowerment and drive social well-being. Gender inequalities in access to STEM related fields in TVET, however, can affect the access to and participation of women in specific occupational areas.
This report examines the key issues concerning girls and women's participation and achievement in STEM-related TVET programmes and their transition STEM related careers. It synthesizes existing literature and country experiences collected from 10 members of the UNEVOC Network (Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Ghana, Jamaica, Lebanon, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa), UNEVOC's worldwide platform of TVET institutions.
Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website. Show less

Authors: Tikly, Leon; Vogel, Epke; Kurvers, Carmen

Date: 2020

Geographic subjects: Australia; Oceania; Chile ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Subjects: Gender; Equity; Participation ... [+] Show more
Developing skills for employability with German partners: 8 success stories

The working world is changing. Globalisation and the transformation into a knowledge-based society continue to fuel ... Show more
The working world is changing. Globalisation and the transformation into a knowledge-based society continue to fuel increasingly dynamic developments, resulting in ever-changing requirements for vocational qualifications. Furthermore, the standard of vocational qualifications constantly creates new challenges for both companies and individuals. Current and future job markets not only require sound technical knowledge, but familiarity with modern technology and a high level of teamwork and problem-solving skills. Consequently, the strategic development of a skilled workforce has become increasingly important. Efficient and high-quality technical and vocational education and training, as well as ongoing professional training are essential for industries in order to ensure productivity and competitiveness in a global economy. Training is also essential for young people and adults, because it ensures their employability and future career prospects. Last but not least, it contributes to sustaining a country's social stability. Germany is a competent partner for skills development. This report presents eight success stories of partnerships and joint ventures between companies from Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe with German training organisations. Read about their experiences with their German partners and understand why they chose a German partner.
Excerpts from publication.
The projects are as follows: German partner enhances competitive edge / Christiani Sharpline Technical Training, India; Benefitting from a German brand of international repute / PSB Academy, Singapore; Moulding tailor-made solutions with German software / WiedzaNet, Poland; Successful matchmaking in the media sector / Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio and Television (BRTB), China; Access to German experience and equipment / FACT Centre for Mechatronics Training, Lebanon; Personality development with know-how from Germany / persolog danadria, Slovenia; Permanent transfer of know-how from Germany / GSI SLV-TR Welding Technology Test and Occupational Training Center, Turkey; Complementing the resources of our German partner perfectly / SENAI School Theobaldo De Nigris, Brazil. Show less

Corporate authors: Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Germany) (BIBB)

Date: 2009

Geographic subjects: Europe; Germany; Poland ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Series name: iMOVE: Training - made in Germany (Germany. Federal Ministry of Education and Research)

Subjects: Vocational education and training; Research; Providers of education and training ... [+] Show more
Career guidance and livelihood planning across the Mediterranean: challenging transitions in South Europe and the MENA region

Perhaps no other challenge preoccupies governments and citizens in the Mediterranean region than the mass unemploym ... Show more
Perhaps no other challenge preoccupies governments and citizens in the Mediterranean region than the mass unemployment of young people, many of who have invested in higher education in the hope that ability and effort lead to fulfilling lives. Transitions to independent adulthood are, however, frustratingly long drawn-out, and often jeopardised by labour markets that are neither youth-friendly nor meritocratic. While such challenges require structural responses at the macro-economic level, career education and guidance have an important role to play in addressing both the public and private good, and in furthering the social justice agenda. This volume provides a review of career education and guidance in Southern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa Region, presenting a multi-faceted portrayal of the situation in each country as well as overviews of cross-cutting themes that are especially relevant to context, such as women's career development in the Arab states, job placement support for refugees, and the impact of faith on livelihood planning.
Abstract from publisher's website.
The chapters are as follows: Introduction: Anchoring career guidance in the Mediterranean?: in search of southern perspectives / Ronald G. Sultana (pages 3-15); Part one, 'Context', contains the following chapters: Contexts matter: factors influencing career guidance in the Mediterranean countries / Ronald G. Sultana (pages 19-53); Debunking myths surrounding women's careers in the Arab Region: a critical reflexive approach / Fida Afiouni and Charlotte Karam (pages 55-70); Career guidance: perspectives from Islam and from Muslim cultures / Aboubakr Abdeen Badawi (pages 71-85); Syrian refugees in Jordan: providing career guidance services and enhancing access to employment / Maha Kattaa (pages 87-104); Part two, 'The Maghreb', contains: Educational and career guidance in Morocco: vision, plans and projects / Aziza Chbani and Amina Jaouane (pages 107-122); Education and career guidance in Algeria: recurrent dysfunctions / Rosa Mahdjoub and Mohamed Miliani (pages 123-137); Careers information and guidance in Tunisia: institutional and societal challenges / Ammar Mejri and John McCarthy (pages 139-150); Career guidance in Libya: small steps forward, still a long way to go / Ali Elhawat (pages 151-157); Youth education and guidance for employment in Libya: an evolving scenario (pages 159-170).
Part three, 'The Mashrek', contains the following chapters: Career guidance in Egypt: partnership in international cooperation for national development / Shahinaz Khalil (pages 173-186); Exploration process and future plans of Arabs and Jewish Israeli young adults: implications for career interventions / Rachel Gali Cinamon (pages 187-202); Career education and guidance under occupation in Palestine: factors affecting young people's aspirations / Mazen Hashweh (pages 203-224); Career development services in Jordan: international consultants review past efforts and future prospects / Michel Turcotte, Celine Renald and Lynne Bezanson (pages 225-237); Career services in Syrian higher education: policy articulations / Batoul Diab and Neruda Barakat (pages 239-254); The Lebanese education system: heavy on career orientation, light on career guidance / Barend Vlaardingerbroek, Anies Al-Hroub and Cyrine Saab (pages 255-265); Career counselling services in Turkey: building on the past and constructing the future / Binnur Yesilyaprak (pages 267-282); The Saudi experiment with career guidance: borrowing policy and managing the clash of context and theory / Tristram Hooley (pages 283-300); Part four, 'South Europe', contains: Career counselling and guidance in Greece: past, present and future / Michael Kassotakis (pages 303-322); Guidance and counselling in Cyprus: multiple roles, challenges and achievements / Antonis Antoniou (pages 323-335); Career education and guidance in Malta: development and outlook / Manwel Debono (pages 337-350); Career guidance in multicultural contexts: an Italian case study / Roberta Piazza, Paola Magnano and Andrea Zammitti (pages 351-370); Young adults of Maghrebi descent in France: guidance and the challenges to educational and labour market integration / Valerie Cohen-Scali, Alma Hafsi and Patrick Werquin (pages 371-388); Guidance in Catalan secondary education: main features and challenges in a Spanish region / Marius Martinez-Munoz and Carme Martinez-Roca (pages 389-400); Career education and guidance services in Portugal: deeds and needs / Maria Do Ceu Taveira (pages 401-416); Conclusion: Futures for career education and guidance in the Mediterranean?: implications, challenges, and prospects / Ronald G. Sultana (pages 419-437). Show less

Authors: Sultana, Ronald G.

Date: 2017

Geographic subjects: Europe; Africa; Middle East ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Edited book

Series name: Comparative and international education: a diversity of voices

Subjects: Career development; Equity; Culture and society ... [+] Show more
Labour market challenges of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon: a qualitative assessment of Employment Service Centres

This report presents the results of the qualitative assessment of UNRWA's Employment Service Centres in Lebanon. It ... Show more
This report presents the results of the qualitative assessment of UNRWA's Employment Service Centres in Lebanon. It is part of a research project titled 'Measuring the Impact of Employment Service Centres in Lebanon', a joint collaboration between ILO, UNRWA and the American University of Sharjah (AUS). The overall objective of the project is to study the impact of the services provided by ESCs on the employability of the Palestinian youth refugee population through quantitative and qualitative assessments. This qualitative reports aims to provide an in-depth description and assessment of the context in which ESCs operate and potential channels through which ESC services might impact their beneficiaries. The research is based on focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with youth Palestinian jobseekers that are registered at the ESCs.
Abstract from publisher's website. Show less

Authors: Kherfi, Samer; Bausch, Jonas; Irani, Alexandra; Mokdad, Rima Al

Date: 2018

Geographic subjects: Middle East; Lebanon; Palestine

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Series name: Taqeem impact report series

Subjects: Labour market; Employment; Disadvantaged ... [+] Show more