The effect of transitioning from an oil-based economy on the women's quality of life in oil-exporting countries

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 MA in Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 , Associate Professor of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Today, one of the most challenging issues facing societies is gender inequality and the quality of life of women, because in most countries, women's quality of life remains below the societal average. While policymakers are always seeking to reform their economic structures to enhance the welfare of their citizens through economic growth and development, little attention has been paid to the gender-specific effects of these reforms. Reducing reliance on oil is one such fundamental reform that has long been desired in oil-exporting countries. Such structural changes, due to differences in access between women and men to job opportunities, resources, educational, and health facilities, have distinct gender effects. In this regard, the present study, using a panel data approach, examines the effect of the transition from an oil-based economy to a complex economy on the Human Development Index of women in eleven major oil-exporting countries during the period 2003 to 2021. The findings of this study indicate that an increase in oil rent has a negative and significant impact on the Human Development Index of women, whereas the Economic Complexity Index, considered a complementary measure for transitioning from an oil-based economy, has a positive and significant effect on women's Human Development Index. Therefore, transitioning from an oil-based economy, in addition to other positive economic outcomes, also contributes to improving women's quality of life.

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References

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Stable Economy Journal
Volume 6, Issue 4 - Serial Number 20
December 2025
Pages 41-73

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