Gender Equality and Flexible Working for Women Entrepreneurs in Egypt: A Critical Analysis

This chapter examines Egyptian women entrepreneurs’ challenges regarding gender equalityGender equality and flexible working arrangements. It navigates the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional dynamics influencing women’s business ventures and the inflexible working environment. Cultural norms and societal expectations limit women’s access to capital, networks, and resources. Similarly, the legal and institutional frameworks that govern labour laws and business practices assess their effectiveness in promoting gender equality and supporting flexible working arrangements. Exploring flexible working models, including remote work, flexible hours, and job-sharing and their applicability in Egypt, the chapter espouses the significance of productivity, work-life balance, and overall business performance, which are critical for women’s entrepreneurial activities. Based on the analysis, policy recommendations and practical strategies are offered to facilitate flexible working for Egyptian women entrepreneursEgyptian women entrepreneurs. The recommendations include reforms, education initiatives, networking platforms, and financial assistance. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs through government collaboration, public–private partnerships, and robust relationships with civic organisations in a multi-dimensional manner. It brings to fore, the challenges and opportunities in promoting women’s economic empowermentWomeneconomic empowerment in Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.