A recent report from Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) highlights a longstanding barrier to gender equity in the labor market: unpaid domestic work. According to the agency’s “Time Use Survey,” the burden of unpaid household responsibilities continues to limit women’s ability to access employment and advance professionally—resulting in alarmingly low participation rates in the formal workforce.
Currently, only 16.7% of women in Egypt are active in the labor force, with employment rates trailing behind those of men across all age brackets.
This disparity is more than a social issue—it’s an economic one. Gender diversity isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a critical driver of sustainable development. Studies globally and regionally have shown that women bring distinct perspectives to decision-making, improve risk management, and unlock new avenues for innovation and growth.
The Cost of Inaction
The failure to integrate women meaningfully into Egypt’s labor market comes at a steep cost. When nearly half the population is underutilized, the national economy suffers. Moreover, without systemic reforms, talented women are left behind due to rigid workplace structures and cultural expectations that disproportionately assign caregiving roles to them.
Turning the Tide: Inclusive Partnerships for Real Change
In a promising move toward gender inclusion, Mashreq Bank Egypt has partnered with the local nonprofit “Momken Leha” to bridge the gap for women seeking to return to work. This collaboration centers on Mashreq’s flagship initiative, “Renew Your Challenge Spirit”—a program designed to support women who have been out of the workforce for 12 months or more.
Through access to personalized mentoring, professional development workshops, and recruitment advisory services, participants are empowered to rebuild confidence, update their skills, and reintegrate into the labor market with purpose and resilience.
This effort reflects Mashreq Egypt’s broader commitment to a more inclusive financial ecosystem—one that recognizes the potential of every individual and works proactively to remove structural barriers.
Building Workplaces for the Future
Key to Mashreq’s success is its internal Employee Value Proposition (EVP), which champions:
- Flexible work arrangements
- Mentorship and coaching programs
- Work-life balance initiatives
- Clear career progression pathways
These policies not only support women—they create a culture of excellence that attracts top talent, regardless of gender, and drives long-term innovation.
