Being a woman in Egypt is a complex experience that is shaped by a tapestry of cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and evolving societal norms. Egyptian society has historically been patriarchal, with distinct gender roles that have influenced women’s lives in various domains, including family, education, employment, and politics.
Traditionally, Egyptian culture has emphasized the role of women within the domestic sphere, aligning with conventional Islamic family structures. Women have been primarily associated with homemaking and child-rearing, while men have been viewed as the breadwinners, engaging in public life and work. These roles are deeply rooted in societal norms and are often justified by perceived biological differences between the sexes. Such distinctions have historically led to disparities in opportunities and outcomes for women.
Education
In terms of education, significant strides have been made over the years. Literacy rates among young Egyptian women have improved markedly, reflecting increased access to education. As of 2011, approximately 86.5% of women aged 15 to 24 were literate, a substantial rise from previous decades.
Moreover, by 2011, women constituted about 51% of the 2.6 million students enrolled in tertiary education in Egypt, surpassing both Arab regional and global averages. This progress indicates a growing recognition of the importance of female education within Egyptian society.
Employment
Despite educational advancements, women’s participation in the labour force remains limited. As of 2012, women represented only 24.2% of the labour force, a figure that had remained relatively stagnant for two decades. Unemployment rates are notably high among young women, with studies indicating that only 13.4% of women aged 15 to 29 were employed or actively seeking work in 2010.
Even among university graduates, women’s economic activity was recorded at 46.7%, highlighting persistent barriers to full economic participation. Factors contributing to this disparity include societal expectations, limited job opportunities, and workplace environments that may not be conducive to women’s engagement.
Politics
Political participation has also been a challenging arena for Egyptian women. Following the revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak, the number of women in political office decreased. The 2013 Human Development Report indicated that women held only 2.2% of parliamentary positions at that time. However, women have been active participants in political movements, notably during the Arab Spring, where estimates suggest that up to 55% of protesters were female.
In early 2014, the inclusion of equal rights and protections for women in Egypt’s new constitution marked a significant step toward gender equality, although the practical enforcement of these rights remains a critical issue.
Women’s rights
The establishment of the National Council for Women (NCW) in 2000, later institutionalized by Law No. 30/2018, reflects ongoing efforts to promote women’s rights in Egypt. The NCW is tasked with ensuring that women are treated equally to men in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. Initiatives such as the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030 aim to address disparities and promote women’s empowerment across various sectors.
Conclusion
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Gender-based disparities remain evident in areas such as reproductive health, economic participation, and overall empowerment. Social norms and attitudes, economic pressures, religious beliefs, and structural forces continue to influence women’s roles and opportunities in Egypt. The journey toward gender equality in Egypt is ongoing, requiring sustained commitment from both governmental and societal institutions to address deeply entrenched cultural and traditional norms.
In short, what I can say is that being a woman in Egypt involves navigating a complex interplay of cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and evolving societal norms. While significant progress has been made in areas such as education, substantial challenges remain in achieving full gender equality, particularly in economic and political participation. Continued efforts are essential to transform societal attitudes and structures that hinder women’s full empowerment in Egypt.
By Yasmin Khanifa Adel