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Al-Ahram Weekly
23-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Carving space: Women challenging Egypt's gendered labour divide - Society
Despite Egypt's low global ranking on gender equality, women are making quiet inroads into male-dominated professions—from metro driving and butchery to painting and carpentry—challenging societal expectations and reshaping the meaning of work and agency across the country. Their stories reflect the immense potential of Egyptian women to reshape economic participation, even as Egypt continues to rank near the bottom of global gender equality indices. In recent years, Egypt has taken unprecedented steps to enhance women's economic empowerment and increase their representation in public life. The National Strategy for Women's Empowerment, launched in 2017, aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting gender equality through a national action plan. According to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, women now hold 26 percent of positions in government—the highest share to date—and 15 percent of seats in parliament, with 162 of 596 representatives. Between 2021 and 2022, 209 women were appointed as judges in the State Council and Public Prosecution, marking a significant milestone in judicial representation. But on the global stage, the picture is more sobering. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025 places Egypt 139th out of 148 countries, having closed just 62.5 percent of its gender gap—ranking it among the ten lowest globally. Women remain starkly underrepresented in Egypt's workforce. They account for just 7 percent of senior leadership roles, and only 18 percent of working-age women are in the labour force, compared to 73 percent of men, according to a 2024 World Bank report. Nearly half the population is female—yet their economic potential remains largely untapped. The World Bank estimates that closing the gender employment gap could boost GDP by around 56 percent. Structural, legal, and social barriers persist. World Bank research reveals that 45 percent of men and 33 percent of women oppose using childcare services outside the family—a critical obstacle in a society where women remain the primary caregivers. Moreover, one in four men say they don't support women working at all. Still, a growing number of women are defying these norms—carving new paths in jobs long seen as the domain of men—Ahram Online profiles four of these trailblazers. Hend Hashem: Driving change on Cairo's metro When passengers board Cairo's metro, a lifeline for millions of commuters, some are surprised to find a woman at the controls. At 33, Hend Hashem became Egypt's first female metro driver in 2021, swapping a career in mathematics for the driver's cabin. Her journey began unexpectedly during maternity leave, when she saw a government announcement inviting women to apply for the newly opened role. She passed a series of rigorous exams—both theoretical and practical—and made history. The public response has been mixed. Some passengers pause at the cabin to confirm, with wide eyes, that a woman is indeed behind the wheel. 'Some would hesitate to board, worried about 'women's driving,'' she says with a faint smile. However, there have also been moments of affirmation—such as a passenger with special needs thanking her for her patience. For Hashem, mastering the technical demands of train operations is part of the job. The real challenge, she says, lies in overcoming doubt. Taqawa El-Helawany: Butcher of Imbaba For 35 years, Taqawa El-Helawany has held her ground in Cairo's Imbaba market—running her own butcher shop and even influencing local meat prices. Formerly an executive secretary, she returned to school and earned a diploma, the only one of her siblings to do so. Breaking into butchery wasn't easy. She faced harassment, mockery, and turf wars from male butchers. But she stood firm, eventually winning their respect. 'I knew from the beginning this field wouldn't be easy,' she says. 'I confronted them until I carved out a place for myself.' Resistance also came from the wives of male butchers—women who had long assisted their husbands and saw El-Helawany as a threat. 'They told me to 'make use of my degree,'' she says. 'But I told them: 'I'm working with my own money.'' By controlling the sausage casing trade in Ezbet El-Saaida and paying her suppliers in advance, El-Helawany gained autonomy over pricing and supply, thereby establishing herself as a market fixture. She also used her earnings to send all her daughters to university. Her eldest is now an engineer. And while she briefly joined a political party to serve her neighbourhood, she later withdrew, disillusioned by self-interest. She has since supported charitable efforts distributing food and essentials in Imbaba. Heba Abdulrahman: Painting a future in colour Heba Abdulrahman is a decorative painter and entrepreneur with a growing reputation across Egypt. Her tools are brushes and colour palettes—but she's also a skilled carpenter and electrician, often working up to 18 hours a day. Her journey into the trade began 15 years ago, when she offered to renovate a doctor's clinic, charging only for supplies and promising not to take a fee if he wasn't satisfied. The doctor was sceptical—until a decoration engineer approved her work. The commissions soon followed. Moving between rented flats, she picked up carpentry and repair work to save money. But painting remained her passion. Her father had taught her the basics of maintenance; over time, she turned those lessons into refined artistic skill. Scepticism was relentless. She was told her place was 'in the kitchen' and accused of 'stealing men's jobs.' However, client praise and the quality of their work silenced critics. Despite her growing success, Abdulrahman notes a persistent pay gap: women in manual trades still earn less than men for similar work. Her next goal is to open a workshop and train other women, sharing the skills that have built her career. Asmaa Mujahid: Usta of the workshop In a small furniture workshop, Asmaa Mujahid carries a title few women ever hear: Usta—a term used in Egypt to describe a master craftsperson, typically a man. Her entry into carpentry was unexpected. When her husband fell ill, she stepped in to finish his outstanding work. Upon recovering, he was stunned by the quality of what she'd done. Since then, Mujahid has not only mastered the trade but refined it. She introduced new designs and exhibited furniture in collaboration with IKEA—moves that made her husband proud. At first, male colleagues baulked. 'One craftsman said, 'We're not used to taking orders from women,'' she recalls. But her professionalism won them over. Some now seek her guidance. She's sustained injuries—cuts and splinters are part of the job—but wears them as badges of honour. Her ambition now is to expand the workshop into a full-fledged factory. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
23-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Carving space: Women challenging Egypt's gendered labour divide - Presidential Elections 2024
Despite Egypt's low global ranking on gender equality, women are making quiet inroads into male-dominated professions—from metro driving and butchery to painting and carpentry—challenging societal expectations and reshaping the meaning of work and agency across the country. Their stories reflect the immense potential of Egyptian women to reshape economic participation, even as Egypt continues to rank near the bottom of global gender equality indices. In recent years, Egypt has taken unprecedented steps to enhance women's economic empowerment and increase their representation in public life. The National Strategy for Women's Empowerment, launched in 2017, aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting gender equality through a national action plan. According to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, women now hold 26 percent of positions in government—the highest share to date—and 15 percent of seats in parliament, with 162 of 596 representatives. Between 2021 and 2022, 209 women were appointed as judges in the State Council and Public Prosecution, marking a significant milestone in judicial representation. But on the global stage, the picture is more sobering. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025 places Egypt 139th out of 148 countries, having closed just 62.5 percent of its gender gap—ranking it among the ten lowest globally. Women remain starkly underrepresented in Egypt's workforce. They account for just 7 percent of senior leadership roles, and only 18 percent of working-age women are in the labour force, compared to 73 percent of men, according to a 2024 World Bank report. Nearly half the population is female—yet their economic potential remains largely untapped. The World Bank estimates that closing the gender employment gap could boost GDP by around 56 percent. Structural, legal, and social barriers persist. World Bank research reveals that 45 percent of men and 33 percent of women oppose using childcare services outside the family—a critical obstacle in a society where women remain the primary caregivers. Moreover, one in four men say they don't support women working at all. Still, a growing number of women are defying these norms—carving new paths in jobs long seen as the domain of men—Ahram Online profiles four of these trailblazers. Hend Hashem: Driving change on Cairo's metro When passengers board Cairo's metro, a lifeline for millions of commuters, some are surprised to find a woman at the controls. At 33, Hend Hashem became Egypt's first female metro driver in 2021, swapping a career in mathematics for the driver's cabin. Her journey began unexpectedly during maternity leave, when she saw a government announcement inviting women to apply for the newly opened role. She passed a series of rigorous exams—both theoretical and practical—and made history. The public response has been mixed. Some passengers pause at the cabin to confirm, with wide eyes, that a woman is indeed behind the wheel. 'Some would hesitate to board, worried about 'women's driving,'' she says with a faint smile. However, there have also been moments of affirmation—such as a passenger with special needs thanking her for her patience. For Hashem, mastering the technical demands of train operations is part of the job. The real challenge, she says, lies in overcoming doubt. Taqawa El-Helawany: Butcher of Imbaba For 35 years, Taqawa El-Helawany has held her ground in Cairo's Imbaba market—running her own butcher shop and even influencing local meat prices. Formerly an executive secretary, she returned to school and earned a diploma, the only one of her siblings to do so. Breaking into butchery wasn't easy. She faced harassment, mockery, and turf wars from male butchers. But she stood firm, eventually winning their respect. 'I knew from the beginning this field wouldn't be easy,' she says. 'I confronted them until I carved out a place for myself.' Resistance also came from the wives of male butchers—women who had long assisted their husbands and saw El-Helawany as a threat. 'They told me to 'make use of my degree,'' she says. 'But I told them: 'I'm working with my own money.'' By controlling the sausage casing trade in Ezbet El-Saaida and paying her suppliers in advance, El-Helawany gained autonomy over pricing and supply, thereby establishing herself as a market fixture. She also used her earnings to send all her daughters to university. Her eldest is now an engineer. And while she briefly joined a political party to serve her neighbourhood, she later withdrew, disillusioned by self-interest. She has since supported charitable efforts distributing food and essentials in Imbaba. Heba Abdulrahman: Painting a future in colour Heba Abdulrahman is a decorative painter and entrepreneur with a growing reputation across Egypt. Her tools are brushes and colour palettes—but she's also a skilled carpenter and electrician, often working up to 18 hours a day. Her journey into the trade began 15 years ago, when she offered to renovate a doctor's clinic, charging only for supplies and promising not to take a fee if he wasn't satisfied. The doctor was sceptical—until a decoration engineer approved her work. The commissions soon followed. Moving between rented flats, she picked up carpentry and repair work to save money. But painting remained her passion. Her father had taught her the basics of maintenance; over time, she turned those lessons into refined artistic skill. Scepticism was relentless. She was told her place was 'in the kitchen' and accused of 'stealing men's jobs.' However, client praise and the quality of their work silenced critics. Despite her growing success, Abdulrahman notes a persistent pay gap: women in manual trades still earn less than men for similar work. Her next goal is to open a workshop and train other women, sharing the skills that have built her career. Asmaa Mujahid: Usta of the workshop In a small furniture workshop, Asmaa Mujahid carries a title few women ever hear: Usta—a term used in Egypt to describe a master craftsperson, typically a man. Her entry into carpentry was unexpected. When her husband fell ill, she stepped in to finish his outstanding work. Upon recovering, he was stunned by the quality of what she'd done. Since then, Mujahid has not only mastered the trade but refined it. She introduced new designs and exhibited furniture in collaboration with IKEA—moves that made her husband proud. At first, male colleagues baulked. 'One craftsman said, 'We're not used to taking orders from women,'' she recalls. But her professionalism won them over. Some now seek her guidance. She's sustained injuries—cuts and splinters are part of the job—but wears them as badges of honour. Her ambition now is to expand the workshop into a full-fledged factory. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- CairoScene
Local Car Manufacturing Gets EGP 1.5 Billion Boost
Egypt's Planning Ministry allocated EGP 1.5B in FY 2025 to localize car manufacturing, create 10,000 jobs, and support suppliers as part of its ambitious automotive development program. Jul 10, 2025 The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has committed EGP 1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025 to accelerate its automotive industry through a localisation-focused support program. The initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to enhance industrial productivity and reduce import dependence, particularly in the growing segment of electric and dual-fuel vehicles. According to the Ministry, the funds will go toward supporting key suppliers, incentivising local production, and creating 10,000 new job opportunities in the automotive sector. The government's aim is to build a more competitive domestic supply chain and attract further private investment. The localisation push is in line with Egypt's sustainable development agenda, as the country seeks to balance economic growth with environmental goals, including promoting greener vehicle technologies. The plan also aligns with Egypt's efforts to transform into a regional hub for vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing.
See - Sada Elbalad
26-03-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in Seven Quarters, Driven by Industry
Ahmed Emam Egypt's economy recorded its fastest growth in seven quarters, expanding by 4.3% in the second quarter of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, driven by a surge in manufacturing and tourism, according to a statement from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development on Wednesday. Despite a continued decline in Suez Canal activity, private sector investments showed improvement, contributing to the positive growth trend. The non-oil manufacturing sector grew by 17.7% year-on-year between October and December 2024, marking its third consecutive quarter of positive growth. This expansion was attributed to structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and export-driven growth, according to the ministry's statement. Egypt's industrial sector received a boost from customs clearance facilitation for raw materials and inputs, leading to an increase in the manufacturing index—excluding crude oil and petroleum products. Growth was particularly strong in automobile production, ready-made garments, beverages, and textiles. 'The government is pushing forward with its transition toward tradeable sectors like manufacturing, aiming for a more diverse and sustainable economy that enhances Egypt's ability to withstand global economic challenges,' said Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. Industrial expansion is a positive indicator for the government, which aims to attract $3.5 billion in new industrial investments in 2025, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year, according to Yehia El-Watheq Bellah, head of the Egyptian Commercial Service. Egypt's tourism sector played a significant role in foreign currency inflows, growing by 18% year-on-year in Q2. The number of tourists reached 4.41 million, with an increase in tourist nights. This momentum helped offset a 70% decline in Suez Canal revenues, caused by ongoing Red Sea disruptions. In January, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced a halt to ship attacks following a Gaza ceasefire agreement. However, even before this, attacks had stopped for nearly a month, encouraging some shipping companies to return to the Red Sea route. However, recent threats from the Houthis have resurfaced after Israel blocked aid shipments to Gaza. Oil and gas extraction contracted, with petroleum output declining 7.5% and natural gas production dropping 19.6%. However, the ministry expects future growth as new exploration investments take effect. Private sector investments surged 35.4%, now accounting for more than 50% of total investments, reflecting Egypt's IMF-backed economic reform program. -Public sector investments shrank by 25.7%, comprising less than 40% of total investments. Egypt's latest economic performance highlights a shift toward private sector-driven growth, with industrial expansion and tourism playing crucial roles in stabilizing the economy despite global challenges. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
CairoScene
13-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Orange Corners to Assist Startups in Seven Egyptian Governorates
The programme, which aims to empower young entrepreneurs, will cover Luxor, Assiut, Alexandria, Menoufia, Dakaklia, Kafr El-Sheik and Beheira. Feb 13, 2025 The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and the Ministry of International Cooperation announced the expansion of the Orange Corners programme to support startups in seven governorates. The programme will now cover Luxor, Assiut, Alexandria, Menoufia, Dakaklia, Kafr El-Sheik and Beheira. A programme aiming to empower and assist young entrepreneurs, Orange Corners is a partnership between Egypt and the Netherlands, as well as private sector institutions such as the Bank of Alexandria and City Edge Developments. The programme has supported over 115 startups, 58% of which are female-led, across key sectors, including agriculture, waste management, health, education, e-commerce and financial technology. The ministry stated that the programme will aim to support 130 companies across a range of industries in 2025.
