The chapter explores how cultural challenges interplay with digital entrepreneurship in Egypt, a key player in North Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. Women entrepreneurs benefit from various initiatives, including government support programs and adjustments to gender policies. However, the desired results are not always achieved, as women encounter a hostile environment characterized by cultural and societal barriers that restrain their entrepreneurial ambitions. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with ten women entrepreneurs, the chapter identifies significant cultural challenges, including work-life balance, societal expectations, and gender stereotypes regarding women’s capabilities in leadership roles. These contribute to skepticism and reduced confidence. It highlights how these women have learned to overcome these challenges by employing social media strategies, which include enhancing visibility, building virtual communities, leveraging storytelling, and modelling successful women role models. The interviews reveal how challenges manifest in both personal and professional spheres. The core focus is on the transformative role of social media as a tool enabling women to overcome cultural challenges and build supportive communities. Platforms such as Instagram, and TikTok are essential for empowering Egyptian women entrepreneurs, allowing them to pursue their passion, showcase skills, express identity, engage with networks, and expand businesses. In conclusion, the chapter reveals the resilience of Egyptian women entrepreneurs and their ambitious mindset in navigating cultural challenges through social media. It advocates for policy interventions and government support to promote the use of digital platforms in advancing gender equity in entrepreneurship and enhancing women’s empowerment.

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Egyptian Women Entrepreneurs Overpowering Cultural Challenges Through Social Media

  • Mireille Daaboul

摘要

The chapter explores how cultural challenges interplay with digital entrepreneurship in Egypt, a key player in North Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. Women entrepreneurs benefit from various initiatives, including government support programs and adjustments to gender policies. However, the desired results are not always achieved, as women encounter a hostile environment characterized by cultural and societal barriers that restrain their entrepreneurial ambitions. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with ten women entrepreneurs, the chapter identifies significant cultural challenges, including work-life balance, societal expectations, and gender stereotypes regarding women’s capabilities in leadership roles. These contribute to skepticism and reduced confidence. It highlights how these women have learned to overcome these challenges by employing social media strategies, which include enhancing visibility, building virtual communities, leveraging storytelling, and modelling successful women role models. The interviews reveal how challenges manifest in both personal and professional spheres. The core focus is on the transformative role of social media as a tool enabling women to overcome cultural challenges and build supportive communities. Platforms such as Instagram, and TikTok are essential for empowering Egyptian women entrepreneurs, allowing them to pursue their passion, showcase skills, express identity, engage with networks, and expand businesses. In conclusion, the chapter reveals the resilience of Egyptian women entrepreneurs and their ambitious mindset in navigating cultural challenges through social media. It advocates for policy interventions and government support to promote the use of digital platforms in advancing gender equity in entrepreneurship and enhancing women’s empowerment.