Women in Egypt constitute nearly half of the population, yet their participation in the workforce remains limited. A World Bank analysis from 2024 indicates that closing the gender employment gap could enhance Egypt's economy by approximately 56%. Despite this potential, women's labor force participation stands at around 18%, compared to men's 73%.
Various barriers impede women's workforce participation in Egypt. Research shows significant opposition to using childcare services outside the family, with 45% of men and 33% of women against it. Additionally, 24% of men do not support female workforce involvement.
The decline in agricultural jobs and reduced public sector opportunities have impacted women's employment prospects. The private sector also offers limited opportunities due to inadequate legal protections, unsafe transportation, and socio-cultural norms.
Nehad Abolkomsan, a senior lawyer and advocate for gender issues, emphasizes the need for affordable childcare options and coordinated efforts across ministries to address these challenges. "Graduates may leave jobs as childcare costs exceed their income," she stated.
Efforts to boost women's labor force participation include the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, focusing on leadership roles and gender equality. The National Council for Women (NCW) and the World Bank have developed a framework to promote female labor force participation.
Empowering women entrepreneurs is a priority through initiatives like the Takaful and Karama Cash Transfer Program supported by the World Bank. This program has introduced digital payments benefiting women, who form 75% of its recipients.
Entrepreneurship is encouraged by agencies such as Egypt’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency. In collaboration with the World Bank’s Catalyzing Entrepreneurship for Job Creation program, they aim to support women entrepreneurs.
The Egyptian Gender Equity Seal certification promotes gender equity in private companies through recruitment practices and policies against sexual harassment. Projects like EWE and E2I by IFC focus on closing gender gaps in companies like Metro Markets and Misr Insurance Holding.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is essential for encouraging female workforce entry. Egypt criminalized workplace sexual harassment in 2014. The World Bank collaborates with local bodies to improve transportation safety with anti-GBV guidelines.
A change in societal mindset is crucial for ensuring equal job opportunities for women. Laws promoting gender equality must be enforced alongside investments in women's education and training to unlock their full potential for economic growth.