In the quest to ‘leave no one behind’ to what extent can anti-discrimination and affirmative action policies and programmes create more inclusive societies?  What is the evidence that such actions reduce discrimination and improve the outcomes for marginalised groups?

As result of the first phase of the Evaluating anti-discrimination measures,  this report presents the findings of a rigorous review of evidence on anti-discrimination and affirmative action policies and legislation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).  It focuses on three areas: political participation, education and labour markets. 

The starting point is a theory of change that suggests reductions in marginalisation, and therefore greater inclusion, will come from reshaping institutions to reduce structural exclusion, changing discriminatory social norms and building the capacities of marginalised groups. This will, it is expected, lead to reduced discrimination and increase marginalised groups’ political representation, and improve their educational and labour market opportunities. 

Click here to download the report Anti-discrimination policies and programmes in low-and middle-income countries:  Experiences in political participation, education and labour markets

Click here to download the Brief Paper based on the report and that summarises the main findings. 

Authors: Rachel Marcus, Anna Mdee and Ella Page.