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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

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Building the foundation for robust vocational education RCTs in Egypt

More than two million students are enrolled in Egypt's technical education and vocational training education system, most of them from low-income backgrounds, seeking better livelihoods through skills attainment and the search for jobs in the labor market. These students are the constituents of our...
A man rides a bicycle with a red food delivery backpack.

JOI Brazil: Helping shape the Brazilian labor policy landscape

2024 marks the third anniversary of the Jobs and Opportunities Initiative Brazil (JOI Brazil). In this blog, we share what JOI Brazil has accomplished so far—and what we hope to accomplish in the coming years.
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Strengthening livelihoods in Central America through evidence

With the generous support of the Cotopaxi Foundation, J-PAL Latin America and the Caribbean (J-PAL LAC) just launched a project that aims to improve livelihoods in Central America. The project, “Strengthening Livelihoods in Central America Through Evidence Use,” will share evidence, strengthen local...
Photo of Vivianne Naigeborin

20 for 20: Vivianne Naigeborin on the evolution of JOI Brazil and promoting productive inclusion

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This is the fifth post of J-PAL’s 20 for 20: Partner Voices blog series, where we showcase stories of results and impact with our partners to celebrate our twentieth anniversary. Read on to learn more about Vivianne Naigeborin, Executive Director of the Arymax Foundation, and her experience...
A headshot of Nneka Osadolor.

African Scholar Spotlight: Nneka Osadolor

In this spotlight, we speak with Nneka Esther Osadolor, a PhD candidate in economics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Nneka’s primary research interests are broadly in development economics and applied microeconomics, including labor markets, financial inclusion, poverty, inequality, and gender...
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Affiliate Spotlight: Gustavo J. Bobonis on advancing evidence generation and use in Puerto Rico

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In this Evidence Champion series, J-PAL North America is recognizing individuals in our network who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of evidence-based policymaking. This piece features the work of Gustavo J. Bobonis, our inaugural researcher recipient. Gustavo is a professor of...
Workers at a factory in Birigui, São Paulo, Brazil

Tackling Brazil's labor market challenges with evidence: JOI Brazil's research agenda

Brazil's labor market faces multiple challenges, including gender and racial disparities, an aging population where many lack access to savings or a pension, and adaptation to new labor regulations and digital transformation. The Covid-19 crisis exacerbated challenges as unemployment rates in the...
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Affiliate Spotlight: Selim Gulesci on entrepreneurship, gender, and the policymaking process

This affiliate spotlight features reflections from Selim Gulesci on his research surrounding gender, labor, and economics, and touches on his new role of Scientific Advisor for J-PAL Africa’s Girls’ Education and Empowerment portfolio.