Iraq Economic Monitor - Seizing the Opportunity for Reforms and Managing Volatility - Special Focus: Towards Increased Economic Opportunities for Women in Iraq - Spring 2021

Jul 19, 2026

Iraq Economic Monitor (Spring 2021) examines recent economic and policy developments, highlighting shifts in output and demand, oil and gas performance, public finance, external sector dynamics, and monetary policy and prices. It assesses the outlook and key risks and opportunities, then presents a special focus on barriers and labor-market conditions affecting women in Iraq, including participation gaps, unemployment disparities, legal restrictions, supply-side constraints, and social norms. The report concludes with a way forward to expand economic opportunities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Recent Economic and Policy Developments

Introduction

Output and Demand

Oil and Gas Developments

Public Finance

External Sector

Monetary Policy and Prices

Outlook and Risks

Outlook

Risks and Opportunities

Special Focus: Towards Increased Economic Opportunities for Women in Iraq

Introduction

Labor Market Outcomes for Women in Iraq

Restrictive Environment for Women’s Access to Employment

The Way Forward

IRAQ ECONOMIC MONITOR Seizing the Opportunity for Reforms and Managing Volatility Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Spring 2021 Middle East and North Africa Region Iraq Economic Monitor Seizing the Opportunity for Reforms and Managing Volatility With a Special Focus Towards Increased Economic Opportunities for Women in Iraq Spring 2021 Middle East and North Africa Region © 2021 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). Cover photo of students used with the permission of Anmar Qusay/World Bank. Other cover photos used with the permission [of ShutterStock.com. Further](of ShutterStock.com. Further) permission required for reuse. Cover and text design: The Word Express, Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms ............................................................. v Acknowledgments ....................................................... vii Executive Summary ...................................................... ix الملخص التنفيذي ....................................................... xv 1 . Recent Economic and Policy Developments .................................... 1 Introduction ...................................................................................1 Output and Demand ............................................................................2 Oil and Gas Developments ......................................................................7 Public Finance .................................................................................8 External Sector ................................................................................ 11 Monetary Policy and Prices .....................................................................12 2 . Outlook and Risks ..................................................... 15 Outlook ...................................................................................... 15 Risks and Opportunities ........................................................................16 Special Focus: Towards Increased Economic Opportunities for Women in Iraq ................19 1. Introduction ................................................................................19 2. An Overview of the Labor Market

FAQs

What areas does the report cover under recent economic and policy developments?

It covers output and demand, oil and gas developments, public finance, the external sector, and monetary policy and prices.

What does the report focus on regarding risks and opportunities?

It presents an outlook and discusses risks alongside opportunities that could shape Iraq’s economic trajectory.

What are the main themes of the special focus on women’s economic opportunities in Iraq?

The report reviews labor market outcomes for women, identifies a restrictive environment for access to employment, and outlines constraints from participation gaps, unemployment disparities, legal and social barriers, supply-side challenges, and the way forward.

Jul 19, 2026

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