Equal Pay Day is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about the gender pay gap and advocate for equal pay for equal work. This day is observed on different dates around the world, but in Egypt, it falls on March 14th.

The gender wage gap in Egypt is a significant issue that has persisted for decades, and on Equal Pay Day, we’re bringing you some facts about the gap between men’s and women’s wages in Egypt.

Women in Egypt earn significantly less than men on average:

According to a report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), in 2020, the average monthly income for men in Egypt was EGP 4,268, while for women, it was only EGP 2,783. This represents a gender wage gap of 34.9%.

The gender wage gap in Egypt is among the highest in the world:

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021, Egypt ranks 129 out of 156 countries in terms of the gender wage gap. The report estimates that women in Egypt earn only 23% of what men earn, which is one of the highest gaps in the world.

According to a study by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), women in Egypt earn only 63% of what men earn. This means that, on average, women have to work an additional 82 days to earn the same amount as men do in one year. Hence, the observance of Equal Pay Day on March 14th signifies that women have to work for 82 extra days to earn what men earn in one year.

Women in Egypt are more likely to work in low-paying sectors:

According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women in Egypt are more likely to work in low-paying sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, and textiles. These sectors tend to have lower wages and less job security than other sectors, contributing to the gender wage gap.

Women in Egypt face discrimination in the workplace:

Despite laws that prohibit gender-based discrimination in the workplace and guarantee equal pay for equal work, the gender pay gap in Egypt remains significant.

According to a report by the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights, women in Egypt often face discrimination in the workplace, including lower wages, limited opportunities for promotion, and sexual harassment. This discrimination can contribute to the gender wage gap.

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gender wage gap in Egypt:

According to a report by the International Labour Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women’s employment and income in Egypt, widening the gender wage gap. Women are more likely to work in sectors that have been hit hard by the pandemic, such as tourism and retail, and they are also more likely to have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced.

Egypt’s GDP could increase by 32% if gender equality is achieved

A recent study by the International Financial Corporation (IFC) has revealed that Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) could increase by 32% if gender equality were achieved in the labor market. Despite efforts by various organizations and government bodies, women in Egypt still face significant obstacles in the workplace. The gender wage gap currently stands at 22%, with women being paid less than men for equal work.

Why we need to take action:

This gender pay gap is not only unfair but also has serious consequences for women’s financial security and independence. Women who earn less than men have less money to save for retirement, invest in their education and training, or provide for their families. It also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality that affects women and their families for generations.

To address the gender pay gap in Egypt, there needs to be a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector. This effort should include strengthening laws that protect women from discrimination and guarantee equal pay for equal work. Additionally, employers should be encouraged to implement policies and practices that promote gender equality, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and equal opportunities for career advancement.

Equal Pay Day serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the gender pay gap and to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace. By working together, we can create a world where women are valued and compensated fairly for their work, regardless of their gender.