Tunisia’s Untapped Workforce: Why Women’s Employment Holds Key to Growth

Tunisia's economy may be overlooking one of its biggest growth drivers: women. A new analysis by the World Bank Group, prepared with Tunisia's National Institute of Statistics and supported by the Maghreb Facility for Women's Economic and Social Inclusion, shows that women remain largely absent from the workforce despite major progress in education and legal rights. Today, only about one in four working-age women in Tunisia is part of the labor force.

This low participation is not just a social issue, it is an economic one. Experts estimate that if more women joined the workforce at rates similar to other developing economies, Tunisia could see stronger economic growth and higher productivity. In a country facing unemployment and slow growth, especially among youth, this untapped potential matters more than ever.

Education Rising, Jobs Missing

One of the most striking findings is a clear contradiction. Tunisian women are now highly educated, even outnumbering men in universities, yet this has not translated into better job outcomes. Many women struggle to find work after graduating, and job searches often take years.

Part of the problem lies in a mismatch between education and labor market needs. Women are underrepresented in fields like science and technology, which offer better employment prospects. At the same time, job creation in high-skill sectors has not kept pace with the growing number of graduates. As a result, even highly qualified women often remain unemployed or leave the labor force altogether.

Work Barriers Go Beyond Jobs

The challenges women face are not limited to job availability. Structural barriers within the labor market make it harder for them to succeed. Women are less likely to be self-employed, hold leadership positions, or earn the same wages as men in the private sector.

Access to finance is another obstacle. Women are less likely to own bank accounts, save money, or secure credit. This limits their ability to start businesses or invest in opportunities. In rural areas, the gap is even wider, with women owning far less land and productive assets than men.

Mobility also plays a role. Many women rely on public transport, which can be unreliable or unsafe. In rural areas, long distances and poor infrastructure make commuting even more difficult. Without safe and accessible transport, many women are simply unable to take up job opportunities.

The Weight of Social Norms

Perhaps the biggest barrier lies at home. Social expectations still place most household and childcare responsibilities on women. Marriage and motherhood often mark the point where women leave the workforce, while men's participation increases.

Affordable childcare is limited, making it difficult for mothers to balance work and family life. Cultural beliefs also influence decisions, with many people still thinking that young children suffer when mothers work. These norms shape both women's choices and employers' attitudes, reinforcing inequality.

The result is a cycle where women are less likely to enter or remain in the workforce, even when they are educated and capable.

A Roadmap for Change

The report outlines practical steps to address these challenges. First, education and training systems need to better match labor market needs, with stronger career guidance and more focus on high-demand fields. Helping women transition from school to work is critical.

Expanding access to affordable childcare is another key priority. This would reduce the burden of unpaid care work and allow more women to stay employed after having children. Policies that encourage shared parental responsibilities, such as better leave for fathers, could also help shift social norms.

Stronger enforcement of equal pay and fair working conditions is essential, especially in the private sector. At the same time, improving women's access to finance, land, and business opportunities can support entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas.

Finally, better transport and safer public spaces can make a real difference. Small changes, such as improving infrastructure or testing targeted transport solutions, could help more women access jobs.

Tunisia's path forward is clear. Increasing women's participation in the workforce is not just about equality, it is about unlocking growth. By removing barriers across education, employment, and social norms, the country can tap into a powerful and largely unused resource: its women.