The MENASP network brings together policy makers, civil society groups and academics to advance social policy knowledge and practice in the MENA region. This includes providing:

• Up-to-date policy analysis on the key social policy challenges facing the region;
• Research and capacity building opportunities including an international conference;
• Resources for policy-makers, practitioners and academics including a database of experts;
• Information on social welfare issues for use by the wider public such as a virtual library.

The network was founded in 2013 by Dr. Rana Jawad as a way of supporting quality research on crucial social policy issues and bridging the gap between policy-makers, civil society organisations, researchers and the wider public. Dr Jawad’s research interests include development policy in the MENA region, social protection and social policy in the MENA region, religion and social welfare action, and social movements.

The network consists of a core group of globally based academic experts: Hicham Aitmansour, Ghada Barsoum, Anis Ben Brik, Walid Merouani, Nassar Yassin, Ibrahim Hawarin, Elie Mekhael and Markus Loewe.

Together, their research addresses such themes as pension reform in the Middle East, youth unemployment in Egypt, child poverty in North Africa, humanitarianism in Lebanon and social assistance in Jordan, among many other issues.

For further information on the activities and network members, please visit www.menasp.com