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Decent Work in the West Bank: Assessing Youth and Women's Employment Under Fragility and Conflict

Author

Listed:
  • Fadi Daraghmeh
  • Sameh Hallaq

Abstract

This study examines the state of decent work in the West Bank, focusing on the intersection of labor market conditions, gender disparities, and the fragility of legal enforcement. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines labor force surveys, qualitative interviews, and institutional analysis, we document substantial gaps in labor rights, social protection, and equitable employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth. The findings reveal that informal work, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited access to social protection undermine progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and productive employment. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive legal reform, targeted skills development, and social protection expansion to enhance labor market inclusion and economic resilience in fragile contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Fadi Daraghmeh & Sameh Hallaq, 2026. "Decent Work in the West Bank: Assessing Youth and Women's Employment Under Fragility and Conflict," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_1116, Levy Economics Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_1116
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Di Maio, Michele & Nandi, Tushar K., 2013. "The effect of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on child labor and school attendance in the West Bank," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(1), pages 107-116.
    2. International Monetary Fund, 2023. "West Bank and Gaza: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2023/147, International Monetary Fund.
    3. Rabeh Morrar & Faïz Gallouj, 2016. "The growth of the service sector in Palestine: the productivity challenge," Journal of Innovation Economics, De Boeck Université, vol. 0(1), pages 179-204.
    4. Yousuf Daas & Sameh Hallaq & Sami H. Miaari, 2026. "Climate Shocks And Child Labor: Evidence From Palestine," Climate Change Economics (CCE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(02), pages 1-23, May.
    5. International Monetary Fund, 2023. "West Bank and Gaza: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2023/327, International Monetary Fund.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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