Women, Money, and Political Participation in the Middle East

The book explores women's capacity to engage local political systems in the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on the role of financial flows from abroad. It examines how these flows have facilitated women's political participation, but also highlights the challenges faced by certain women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 177 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the intricate relationship between women, money, and political participation in the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on women's ability to engage with local political systems. The Middle East and North Africa are characterized by a significant presence of rentier states, which attract substantial foreign aid, worker remittances, and oil-related investments. These external monies have played a pivotal role in shaping gender-related social norms and expectations, both from the state and the domestic population. While these external monies have provided opportunities for certain women to enter the political arena, they have also left others behind. The research presented in this book expands the discussion of women in rentier political economies and highlights their roles as participants and agents within regional templates for economic development.

The book begins by examining the historical and political context of the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting the region's unique political and economic dynamics. It then explores the various types of financial flows from abroad that have impacted gender-related social norms and expectations in the region. These flows include foreign aid, worker remittances, and oil-related investment. The book also examines the ways in which these financial flows have facilitated women's engagement with local political systems.

One of the key findings of the book is that foreign aid has played a significant role in promoting women's political participation in the Middle East and North Africa. Foreign aid has provided funding for women's organizations, political parties, and advocacy groups, which have helped to increase women's visibility and influence in the political sphere. However, the book also notes that foreign aid has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and for its tendency to reinforce existing power structures.

Worker remittances have also played a significant role in promoting women's political participation in the region. Worker remittances have provided a source of income for many families, which has allowed women to pursue education and training, and to participate in the labor market. However, the book also notes that worker remittances have been criticized for their negative impact on women's rights, particularly in the context of gender-based violence.

Oil-related investment has also played a significant role in promoting women's political participation in the region. Oil-related investment has provided a source of revenue for governments, which has allowed them to invest in infrastructure and social services, which have benefited women. However, the book also notes that oil-related investment has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and for its contribution to economic inequality.

In addition to examining the various types of financial flows from abroad, the book also explores the ways in which women have responded to these flows. The book highlights the role of women's organizations and advocacy groups in promoting women's political participation, and in challenging existing power structures. The book also notes the importance of women's participation in the labor market and in the political sphere in promoting economic development and social justice.

However, the book also notes that women's political participation in the Middle East and North Africa is still limited. Women face a range of barriers, including discrimination, violence, and political exclusion. The book highlights the need for greater efforts to address these barriers, including through the implementation of gender-sensitive policies and the promotion of women's rights.

The book also explores the ways in which women's political participation can contribute to regional stability and development. The book highlights the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and in promoting economic growth and social development. The book also notes the importance of women's participation in the political sphere in promoting human rights and democracy.

In conclusion, this book examines the relationship between women, money, and political participation in the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on women's capacity to engage with local political systems. The book highlights the various types of financial flows from abroad that have impacted gender-related social norms and expectations in the region, and the ways in which these flows have facilitated women's engagement with local political systems. The book also notes the limitations of women's political participation in the region, and the need for greater efforts to address these barriers. The book also explores the ways in which women's political participation can contribute to regional stability and development.

Weight: 259g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031048791
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022