Women Economic Empowerment – Working but Unpaid

Authors

Budget and Fiscal Policies

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Women Economic Empowerment – Working but Unpaid

Abstract

Over recent decades, the Egyptian labor market has been shaped by economic and demographic transformations and the influx of skilled young job seekers. Despite increased education and a reduced gender gap, female labor force participation remains low. Unemployment has decreased, but discouraged job-seekers and declining labor force participation persist. Limited private sector opportunities and a youth bulge contribute to labor market challenges. Despite higher education levels, the highest unemployment rates are among university graduates. The MENA region – and Egypt in particular – faces low and stagnant female labor force participation, attributed to limited decent employment opportunities. This chapter examines the impact of demographic changes and educational progress on labor force participation and under-utilization.

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