https://hdl.handle.net/10419/91731 2026-11-05T22:24:04Z 2026-11-05T22:24:04Z Brixiova, Zuzana Elbeshbishi, Amal Nagah Zhao, Jiaxin https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324296 2025-08-23T03:13:02Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Breaking barriers for women and young entrepreneurs in North Africa: Skills, finance, and social norms Authors: Brixiova, Zuzana; Elbeshbishi, Amal Nagah; Zhao, Jiaxin Abstract: Skills gaps, a lack of funding, and social norms continue to keep women and youth in North Africa from engaging in productive entrepreneurship. Using cross-national data and regional indicators from the World Bank and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, this analysis shows how such barriers reinforce each other, leading to the structural exclusion of women and youth. For example, only 1.2% of Egyptian women are business owners, and young people in Tunisia have a significantly lower chance than adults of obtaining business loans. The report estimates that if gender gaps in networks and skills are addressed, up to 7 million more female entrepreneurs could be established in North Africa. Progress requires targeted education, the use of inclusive finance tools, and shifts in public opinion. When supported by policies, the entrepreneurship of women and young people can boost resilience and create job-rich growth.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Egana-delSol, Pablo Vargas-Faulbaum, Luis https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324295 2025-08-23T03:12:50Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Artificial intelligence and the future of work: Evidence and policy guidelines for developing economies Authors: Egana-delSol, Pablo; Vargas-Faulbaum, Luis Abstract: This article offers a comprehensive review of Artificial Intelligence's (AI) effects on global labour markets, with a particular focus on developing economies. Drawing on an extensive body of evidence, it demonstrates that AI's disruptive potential diverges markedly from earlier waves of automation, extending its reach into occupations once deemed insulated-especially those demanding advanced education and complex cognitive abilities. The analysis reveals significant heterogeneity in AI exposure across countries at different development stages and among workers distinguished by skill sets, educational attainment, age, and gender, underscoring its unequal distributional consequences. To harness AI's benefits while safeguarding vulnerable groups, we propose four strategic policy levers: bolstering digital infrastructure, expanding vocational training and lifelong upskilling programmes, formalising labour markets, and integrating AI tools within social protection delivery. Collectively, these measures foster a human centred adoption of AI, bridge the digital divide, and promote inclusive growth, thereby mitigating adverse impacts on employment and wages.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z LoRiggio, Tessa Morris, Todd https://hdl.handle.net/10419/283528 2024-02-24T02:06:09Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The gender wealth gap near retirement in Canada Authors: LoRiggio, Tessa; Morris, Todd Abstract: The gender pay gap not only affects women's financial security during their working lives but also their wealth available for retirement. This note reveals a large gender wealth gap in Canada among singles near retirement. Using a repeated national wealth survey from 1999 to 2019, we find an average wealth gap favouring men at ages 45-59 of $56,000 or 16%, and the estimated gap rises to $96,000 or 27% after accounting for gender differences in demographic characteristics. There is no evidence that the wealth gap is narrowing, which is largely explained by the gender earnings gap. Previously married women are particularly disadvantaged, which may reflect the persistent earnings penalties faced by women who have children.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Mohamadian, Mehdi Javdani, Mohsen Heroux-Legault, Maxime https://hdl.handle.net/10419/289858 2024-04-23T01:49:23Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Public attitudes towards immigration in Canada: Decreased support and increased political polarization Authors: Mohamadian, Mehdi; Javdani, Mohsen; Heroux-Legault, Maxime Abstract: We explore the evolution and determinants of attitudes towards immigration in Canada, utilizing Canadian Election Studies surveys from 1988 to 2019. Our analysis indicates a notable trend: a consistent decrease in anti-immigrant sentiments until the mid-2000s, followed by a shift around 2008 towards gradually more negative attitudes towards immigration. To better understand the factors influencing these attitudes, we examine a comprehensive set of variables. While economic factors seem to have some association with these attitudes, our findings more significantly underscore the role of group-level socio-psychological factors. Additionally, our analysis identifies an emerging polarization along political party lines beginning around 2006. Assessing the relative impact of these factors, our analysis suggests that political party identification has become increasingly significant in influencing attitudes toward immigration.

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