Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Kowsar Yousefi

Author

Kowsar Yousefi
Associate professor of Economics, Department of Economics, University of Tehran

Kowsar Yousefi is an Associate Professor at University of Tehran. After earning her PhD in economics from University of Texas at Austin, Kowsar was a post-doctoral researcher at the Northwestern University, School of Law. Kowsar has earned an M.A in Economics and a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering from Sharif University of Technology.

Content by this Author

Physicians’ incentives and rising births by c-section: evidence from Iran

In many countries of the Middle East and North Africa, rates of caesarean deliveries are above what is recommended by the World Health Organization. This column summarises new research that evaluates the effects of a major healthcare policy in Iran in which doctors and patients received financial incentives to opt for vaginal delivery instead of c-section.

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Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Only around one in five women of working age participate in the labour markets of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As this column explains, the region can no longer afford to leave half its human capital underused. Expanding women’s labour force participation is central to growth and resilience in the face of looming demographic change.

Labour demand and informal employment in Egypt’s manufacturing sector

Egypt’s manufacturing sector faces a dual challenge of weak job creation and persistent informality. Drawing on survey evidence on business behaviour and labour market dynamics, this column explains why job creation is limited and informal work remains such an integral part of how firms organise production. The generation of more formal jobs requires a comprehensive policy approach, one that goes beyond enforcement of labour regulations to reshape the economic environment in which firms and workers make decisions.

Challenges of conflict and industrial policy for development

How effective is industrial policy as a tool for long-term economic growth and development? Against the backdrop of the conflict currently engulfing the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP), a new report argues that while industrial policies are widely used across the region, they can only address market failures and foster growth when they are aligned with country capabilities, implemented with accountability and backed by capable institutions.




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