Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/337371 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Series/Report no.: 
GLO Discussion Paper No. 1719
Publisher: 
Global Labor Organization (GLO), Essen
Abstract: 
Despite rising educational attainment, women's employment rates have declined in Egypt, falling to just 15% as of 2023. This chapter explores the determinants of declining female employment rates in Egypt. The research considers demand side factors, including potential discrimination and the changing structure of the economy, as well as supply side factors, such as gender norms, domestic responsibilities, and education mismatch. Analyses illustrate trends in women's employment and review the rich literature on drivers of women's employment in Egypt. A particular focus is how the policy environment shapes both supply and demand for women's labor. While women have become increasingly educated, restrictive gender norms and disproportionate care responsibilities limit what types of employment they can accept. Those types of jobs have become decreasingly available since structural reform curtailed public sector hiring. The private sector has not created sufficient "women-friendly" employment. Policy and programmatic interventions that try to increase women's employment will have to either create woman-friendly jobs or shift gender norms that restrict women's employment.
Subjects: 
Employment
gender
Egypt
JEL: 
J21
J22
J23
J16
B54
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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