Investigating the Effect of Females’ and Males’ Education on Economic Growth in MENA Countries

In the economic literature, education is one of the important aspects of human capital that affect productivity and economic growth. Every inequality in distribution of education among people leads to decrease in the average level of human capital and affects economic growth negatively. The figures of international organizations indicate that women have less access to educational opportunities in comparison with men while education affects employment, income and health of people. Many empirical studies showed that women’s education in addition to direct effects on economic growth has indirect effects, too; like reducing fertility and therefore dependency ratio, decreasing children mortality and has positive effects on the education of children. In fact, women’s education affects the next generation. This study investigates the effect of females’ and males’ education on economic growth in selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa during the years 1990-2012. For this purpose, the ratio of gross enrollment of boys to girls in primary and secondary education is used. Also, we use life expectancy for measuring health aspect of human capital. Estimated results by using panel data indicate that if the ratio of enrollment of boys to girls increases, it will have a negative effect on economic growth. But it doesn’t mean that males’ education isn’t important; it shows the negative effect of inequality among men and women on the economy. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on women’s education and reducing the gender gap.

Keywords:

Education , Economic Growth , Females and Males , Gender Inequality , Middle East and North Africa