This report addresses the critical issue of low female labour force participation in Iraq, a country with the third lowest proportion of economically active women among 189 countries in 2019 (World Bank, 2020). Women's labour participation is only 11 per cent compared to 68 per cent for men, and female unemployment nearly doubles the male rate (ILO, 2022). Women are also heavily concentrated in the public sector and specific occupations such as education and services. They are significantly underrepresented in the private sector and self-employment (IOM, 2019). The limited opportunities for women in the private sector tend to answer to traditional beliefs that see women as primary caregivers, responsible for domestic duties and children (Bertrand, 2020).

The report draws upon a wealth of literature and a novel study conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to explore the multifaceted barriers to women’s employment within the Iraqi labour market. IOM conducted an audit study among employers supported by the Enterprise Development Fund and local jobseekers, utilizing hypothetical resumes to examine employers’ preferences for male and female jobseekers net of other characteristics (Bertrand and Mullainathan, 2004). The aggregate results indicate no statistically significant bias from jobseekers or employers concerning gender or migration status, although many employers express preferences for male (42%) and host community (22%) applicants. Yet, the report also provides evidence of gender-based occupational segregation, where women are more likely to receive jobs in agriculture and less likely to be employed in manufacturing. It also highlights lack of experience as a key barrier for women and youth seeking to enter the labour market for the first time.

The insights from the study provide evidence for developing targeted interventions to dismantle these barriers. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from policymakers, the private sector and society to foster a more inclusive and equitable labour market.