The study explores wage disparities in the Arab region, highlighting significant gender-based differences in earnings. AnalySing data from seven Arab countries – Egypt, Jordan, the State of Palestine, the Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, and Iraq – the study uses the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method to quantify the wage gap attributable to discrimination. The results indicate that while education and professional experience significantly improve women’s earnings, systemic discrimination remains a persistent barrier to wage equality. On average, Arab women earn 89 cents for every dollar earned by men, a figure that decreases to 82 cents after adjusting for factors such as education, job type and experience. The study also identifies cultural norms, occupational segregation and inconsistent enforcement of equal pay laws as factors exacerbating the gender wage gap in the region. To address these challenges, the study contains various targeted policy recommendations, including enhancing wage transparency, investing in education, enforcing equal pay legislation, and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles. These strategies are essential for promoting gender wage parity, ensuring decent work for Arab women, and advancing their economic empowerment.
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