Two objectives are pursued in this study. First, a descriptive analysis of the current status of Arab women in the areas of literacy, formal education, economic participation, and achieving the MDG with respect to gender equality is provided. Second, the study examines, empirically, the impact of globalization on women’s economic status in the Arab region, represented by women’s contribution to the labor force.

The main findings of the study have shown that significant advances have been made in the Arab region since 1990 in health and the education of women. However, the analysis also highlights the fact that Arab countries continue to suffer from gender bias and low status of women. The empirical analysis confirms a major general conclusion: GDP growth and globalization have negative impacts on the FLFP in the Arab region while GDP per capita has a positive effect.

In addition to the traditional policy implications that center on the government’s role in eradication gender inequalities, the study emphasizes that achieving such a goal requires the collective efforts of the society. Private sector companies should do their part by offering the same pay, allowing more flexible work schedules, offering opportunities for promotion and advancement; allowing inexperienced young females to have training sessions or structured on-the-job training; and making sure that financial incentives and motivation are given equally to both genders to take on the more demanding and technologically challenging new jobs.

Also, females in Arab countries, especially the young, should get involved in more untraditional sectors; take on education and training in fields that are highly skilled; sophisticated, and demanding. They should not be apprehensive about building their own entrepreneurial abilities and starting their own projects. Thus, educational, cultural, and social programs aimed at young and teenage girls, in addition to media support in publicizing and reinforcing these new set of values in young girls are necessary to move forward.