Call for Papers: Women and Jobs in Africa Policy Research Workshop 2025
Introduction
One of Africa’s most important and complicated issues is still the economic inclusion of women. In response, the World Bank, the University of Ghana-Legon, and the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) are collaborating to organize Policy Research Workshop “Women and Jobs in Africa,” which will take place at the University of Ghana in Legon, Accra, on November 11–12, 2025. Original research that can influence policy and advance women’s access to economic opportunities throughout the continent is being solicited from researchers worldwide.
About the Workshop
A larger initiative to promote empirical research on gender, employment, and economic transformation in Africa includes this workshop. It seeks to unite academics, decision-makers, and development professionals to investigate ways to increase African women’s access to chances for entrepreneurship and good work.
Key Themes and Topics
Submitted papers should contribute to knowledge around one or more of the following thematic areas:
- Labor Force Innovations: Approaches to boosting female labor force participation.
- Education & Skills: Examining the role of education and vocational training in improving women’s employability.
- Wage Inequality: Analysis of gender pay gaps and occupational segregation.
- Social Norms: How cultural expectations and informal rules shape women’s work.
- The Care Economy: Impacts of caregiving responsibilities on women’s ability to work.
- Policy & Legal Reforms: Effective laws, protections, and programs supporting gender equality in the labor market.
- Digital Tools & AI: Understanding how technology is transforming women’s work in Africa.
- Agricultural Livelihoods: Gender dimensions of rural employment, land use, and food security.
- Entrepreneurship & Markets: Pathways to improve market access for women-led businesses.
Who Should Submit?
Early-career scholars are particularly encouraged to apply by the workshop. Individual researchers and co-authored teams are both invited to contribute, however each person is only allowed to submit one abstract.
Submission Guidelines
Candidates wishing to apply must submit a 2-page extended abstract (in .doc, .docx, or in .pdf format) by June 30, 2025. The abstract should contain the following:
- Research aims and questions
- Data and methods to be used
- Major findings or results expected
- The relevance of these issues for policy
Financial Support
Early-career researchers whose abstracts are accepted will be eligible for a restricted number of travel funds. This involves full or partial sponsorship to encourage attendance at the event.
Publication Opportunity
Contributed high-quality papers from the workshop will then be invited for submission to a special issue of the Journal of African Economies (JAE). All submissions will be subjected to the peer-review process of the journal.
Deadline
June 30, 2025
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