Equity and Inclusion

Expanding access to quality and affordable education is a central element to eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. In developing countries, private education providers play a critical role in the delivery of education, skills, and training that is affordable and relevant to the needs of the labor markets. The IFC education practice is developing several case studies that showcase success stories in the IFC education portfolio around scale, skills, and affordability.

Drawing on in-depth interviews with young women and men in rural and urban Brazil, this qualitative research explores gender dimensions in the causes and consequences of being ‘out of work and out of school.’ A key conclusion from this research is that this term (or the Portuguese: ‘nem-nem’) does not translate well the complex realities of this highly heterogeneous group.

Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is widespread and LGBTI exclusion from economic markets, vital services and political spaces is entrenched.

The study reveals substantial vulnerabilities and exclusion of this population; key constraints toeducation, training, and employment; and insights for the design and delivery of programming to improve educational and labor market outcomes. It examines adolescent girls and young women’s overall inclusion as well as specific socioeconomic dimensions, including in education, employment, and agency.

This report describes an experience, developed jointly by the Uruguayan National Department of Public Education (ANEP) and the World Bank, of the implementation of an Inclusive Education component.

Prospects for faster, more sustainable economic growth and higher living standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina rely on increasing employment opportunities for all. By maintaining the current structure of labor participation, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not capitalizing on its educated young population, as only 22.7 percent of 15–64-year-old women are actively contributing to the economy through employment. Closing gender gaps in access to economic opportunities requires removing the existing barriers and disincentives to employment and entrepreneurship for women.