As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Egypt stands at a significant juncture in its continuous efforts to empower women and enhance their role in society. Over the past decade, the Egyptian government has adopted a comprehensive approach aimed at improving women’s status across political, economic, and social spheres, reflecting its firm commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
In alignment with this vision, Egypt has implemented policies to ensure women’s active participation in decision-making processes, not only in politics but also in legal and judicial matters. This effort is underscored by the inclusion of women in the judiciary, allowing them to contribute to the realization of justice and the rule of law. Furthermore, the government has created a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, facilitating their participation in the workforce and contributing to Egypt’s broader developmental goals.
The Egyptian government has placed a premium on social policies and programs aimed at empowering women by providing them with the necessary support, such as healthcare and social services, to ensure they live dignified lives. These efforts are backed by a robust legislative framework designed to protect their rights and solidify their place in every aspect of society. Egypt’s commitment to gender equality is increasingly recognized on the international stage, with the country witnessing significant improvements in key global indices related to women’s empowerment.
A recent report by the Egyptian Cabinet’s Media Center highlights the country’s achievements in empowering women, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The report details Egypt’s advancements in gender equality, showing that the nation has improved its ranking by 38 positions on the United Nations Development Programme’s Gender Inequality Index (GII), moving from 131st place in 2014 to 93rd in 2022. Similarly, Egypt has made remarkable strides in political empowerment, jumping 44 spots on the World Economic Forum’s Political Empowerment Index, now ranking 90th in 2024 compared to 134th a decade earlier.
Additionally, the country has made notable progress in supporting female entrepreneurship, increasing its score on the World Bank’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Index by 25 points, reaching a score of 100 in 2024—marking a three-year streak of improvement.
International recognition of these advancements is evident. Christian Berger, the head of the European Union delegation to Egypt, commended the Egyptian government and, in particular, the women in the Cabinet for their dedication to advancing gender equality. He praised the growing number of Egyptian women in leadership roles across sectors once dominated by men. Similarly, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has highlighted Egypt’s achievements in combatting violence against women, such as enacting constitutional provisions to protect women from violence and adopting critical amendments to the penal code targeting sexual harassment and female genital mutilation.
The Egyptian government’s commitment to empowering women politically is reflected in the increasing number of women in political office. In 2025, women will hold 163 seats in the House of Representatives, up from just 9 in 2012. Similarly, women’s representation in the Senate will increase to 41 seats in 2025, compared to 12 seats in 2012. At the executive level, Egypt has increased the number of female ministers to 4 and appointed 9 women as deputy governors, alongside 5 deputy ministers.
On the judicial and diplomatic front, the number of women in Egypt’s judiciary has risen to 3,918, while the diplomatic corps now boasts 323 women in 2025. These figures reflect a broader societal shift towards recognizing the vital contributions of women in all fields of leadership.
In terms of economic empowerment, Egypt has made significant strides. Unemployment among women has dropped by 8.2 percentage points, from 24.8% in 2014 to 16.6% in 2024. Furthermore, the number of women with access to financial services has surged by nearly 295%, reaching 23.3 million women in 2024, compared to 5.9 million in 2016.
Additionally, the government has made strides in supporting small and micro-enterprises, with over 30,000 women benefiting from the “Mastora” initiative, which provides financing for female entrepreneurs. More than 908,000 small projects have been directed toward women through the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring that women have the resources and opportunities to succeed economically.
Beyond economic empowerment, the government has implemented initiatives aimed at improving women’s education and healthcare. Female enrollment in higher education has risen to 54.8% in 2024, up from 45.4% in 2014. The national health initiatives, such as those addressing women’s health and maternal care, have reached millions of women, providing them with essential services and promoting well-being.
Egypt has also taken a proactive stance in protecting women from violence. Since 2019, the country has established a national committee to eradicate female genital mutilation and set up a specialized unit to handle gender-based violence complaints under the Cabinet’s auspices. In universities, 42 units dedicated to combating violence against women have been established, ensuring that educational institutions play a role in preventing abuse.
As Egypt continues to make strides in empowering its women, these efforts are not only changing the country’s social and economic fabric but also reshaping its international image. Egypt’s commitment to gender equality, as reflected in the government’s policies and the significant progress in various indicators, underscores the nation’s determination to empower its women and harness their full potential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.
On this International Women’s Day, Egypt’s achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous efforts to break down barriers and create a society where women can thrive.
