Transformations  in
Business & Economics

INSTITUTIONAL EXPERTS’ PERSPECTIVE ON EMPOWERING WOMEN IN EGYPT: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS⁶
Hend El Hassan, Alexandra Horobet, Anca Gabriela Ilie, Diane Paula Corina Vancea, Rodica Milena Zaharia

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a qualitative study based on 12 in-depths interviews conducted with specialists who possess extensive experience in both governmental and non-governmental institutions and have a profound understanding of the women's empowerment process in Egypt. The objectives of this study were to explore the perspectives of institutional experts regarding the challenges faced by the women's empowerment process in Egypt, as well as the role institutions play in substantiating this process. There is a large and a growing interest in investigating the empowerment of women in emerging countries such as Egypt. As the literature suggests, women empowerment is not only linked to economic growth, but also to the establishment of a healthier and more sustainable society. The study concludes that despite Egypt's numerous achievements in promoting women's progress in both economic and social realms, and the existence of a flourishing and sustainable institutional activism, there is still room for improvement in women's empowerment. Institutional experts acknowledge that, in order to enhance the implementation of policies and programs, institutions need to work harder towards better law enforcement, improved education, a shift in societal mindset, more targeted funding policies to reach women in the greatest need, and the cultivation of the potential for community development. Additionally, institutions are expected to take the lead in transforming society into one that is more inclusive and supportive of women.

KEYWORDS:  women empowerment, expert opinion, institutions, qualitative analysis, Egypt, QDA, cluster analysis.

JEL classification:  B54, J81, O17, O53.

⁶Acknowledgments:  The authors extend their deep gratitude to the respondents for their willingness to participate in the interviews and provide valuable insights. They would also like to express sincere appreciation to the reviewers for their insightful comments.