In today’s dynamic business landscape, empowering women in business is not just about fairness; it is about harnessing the full potential of our workforce to drive innovation and growth. Companies play a critical role in driving societal and economic change through gender-inclusive policies, setting the stage for a more equitable and prosperous future.

According to USAID, Egyptian women face stark gender disparities in the workplace. In 2020, Egypt ranked 140th out of 153 countries in women’s economic participation and opportunity. Only 18% of working-age women participate in the economy, compared to 65% of men. This stark contrast underscores the prioritization of women’s economic empowerment in Egypt, a central focus of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030. This strategy seeks to enhance women’s economic roles by improving their skills, expanding their job opportunities, and ensuring equal employment across all sectors. These efforts align with the Egyptian Constitution of 2014, which emphasizes non-discrimination and gender equality in all areas of opportunity.

Research indicates that increased female workforce participation correlates with economic growth, fostering economic diversification and income equality. Moreover, businesses with higher female representation in leadership roles tend to exhibit superior organizational performance, aligning with corporate responsibility and advancing broader social goals. Female role models can also offer practical advice and guidance based on their own experiences, helping other women navigate challenges and overcome barriers. Additionally, they can help break stereotypes and norms by demonstrating diverse paths to success, encouraging other women to pursue their goals without limitations. 

At Mashreq Global Network (MGN) Egypt, we have developed a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy that prioritizes gender diversity throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retention. Our efforts are reflected in our 57% diversity ratio, which exceeds the country’s industry average. We provide mentorship programs and create networks where women can share experiences and advice, guiding and supporting them in their careers. Initiatives like the ‘Reignite’ program offer flexible work arrangements, childcare assistance, and mentorship opportunities for women returning to the workforce after a career break.

Offering flexible work hours and remote work options can significantly enhance work-life balance, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. MGN’s successful Distributed Workforce (DWF) model has provided greater flexibility to employees, enabling them to balance personal commitments while contributing effectively to the organization. This model has been particularly beneficial for women, allowing them to pursue their careers without sacrificing their personal responsibilities.

Looking ahead, MGN is committed to increasing female representation and continuing to foster an inclusive and innovative work culture. Our goal is to make gender diversity and inclusion integral to our organizational DNA. By 2025, we aim to increase overall female representation within MGN’s workforce, across Egypt, Pakistan and India, to 50%, setting a benchmark for other organizations in the industry. This is because we believe that women’s economic empowerment is crucial for advancing women’s rights ensuring that women have equal opportunities to engage in decent work, access social protection, manage their lives and participate meaningfully in economic decision-making at all levels.