Key Messages

CHAPTER 5

How to Speed Up the Jobs-to-Careers Transition

Key Messages

• The export-oriented apparel industry can provide an indirect launching pad for women to transition from jobs to careers if countries adopt complementary policies to boost human capital.

• This report makes four policy recommendations to increase the probability that women will enter the labor market and to create an environment that supports female career development.

• Recommended industry policies: (a) increase participation of female production workers in export-oriented apparel manufacturing and related industries, and (b) increase the number of female supervisors and upgrade jobs within apparel to manufacturing-related services. • Recommended cross-cutting policies to empower women: (a) increase access to education, especially at the upper-secondary level; and (b) break glass ceilings.