Author : Salma Shamel Elsayed Nasser
Source : Journal of International Women's Studies
Date of Publication :
Abstract : Inclusive decision-making is necessary in terms of both legitimacy and good policy
outcomes. Recognizing this, closing persistent gender gaps in public life has emerged as a critical
policy issue as countries increase their efforts to foster inclusive growth and build trust and
confidence in public institutions while working towards the SDGs. The public administration
determines the manner in which political and economic decisions are implemented and how
budgets are planned and spent. Additionally, it is a primary employer for women in many
developing countries – particularly in the Arab world. In some countries, women have in fact
surpassed parity in terms of public administration employment but still lag far behind the 30%
target in leadership positions. Balanced total employment among women and men is important but
it is equally important to have women dispersed throughout all the different sectors of
administrative governance, as well as equitably represented in all levels of decision-making.
Women tend to outnumber men in general positions and decrease significantly in number further
up the grade ladder. In addition to the glass ceiling that women face in the public sector, there also
appears to be a strong trend of horizontal profiling: "glass walls". Women in the public sector are
primarily involved in the traditionally feminized sectors of health, education and social services
and almost absent from other sectors such as security and foreign affairs. The status quo represents
a challenge to achieving SDGs 5, 8 and 16 and the biggest impediment to adjusting the situation
is the absence of relevant data. This paper will examine the gender gap in the public
administrations of Arab countries; analyze trends and policy with the ultimate aim of contributing
to the development of tracking mechanisms for gender equality in the public administration.
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