Policy Analysis for Growth and Employment

 

Labour income is crucial to the livelihoods of the poor in developing countries. Yet they face many constraints in finding decent jobs and developing small enterprises, and most are not covered by any form of social security. This project supports work by the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) to address labour markets, social protection, and entrepreneurship - three areas that are critical for poor people. PEP is a global network of economic researchers, driven by research institutions based in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through this multi-country initiative, PEP is leading applied research, policy engagement, and capacity building to inform pro-poor labour market policy, with a cross-cutting focus on empowering women. The project builds on PEP's record of supporting Southern-led research: the network has 10 years of experience in strengthening research capacities in developing countries through research grants, mentoring, training, and technical assistance. Through the network, research teams from different countries compare and contrast policies and programs, promoting South-South learning. Increasingly, PEP is being called upon by international institutions like the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Development Fund for Women to inform their programming. This project will strengthen PEP's role as a global "think tank," providing high-quality research and policy advice, mobilizing and promoting Southern expertise, and ensuring this expertise is heard in national and international policy debates.