Female Empowerment Through Social Entrepenuership in Egypt : An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In our more progressive society oftentimes it is difficult to understand the degree of impoverishment worldwide. As a result studies have been conducted with particular emphasis on countries mainly in Asia and Africa, subjugating other countries to mere secondary data that represent over generalizations in the developing world. This study seeks to analyze female empowerment in Egypt and the role in which Micro Finance Organizations shape this topic. The purpose is to refute recent allegations that label the practices of micro-lending as unethical. I begin by examining the theories and publications of many authors who have sought to define empowerment in various capacities. From there I draw on the socio-economic context of Egypt and its non-governmental organizations which render micro-credit/micro-finance programs. Theory and pragmatic application differ greatly; hence an exploratory study is included to examine micro-credit in Egypt. Oftentimes individuals imply that female empowerment is relatively low in patriarchal societies, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. This study seeks to challenge that idea by introducing the reader to an alternative perspective. I seek to build on the body of existing Micro-finance in Egypt data, to blend academic perspectives and client experiences which may encourage future dialogue on the subject of using micro-finance to empower women in Egypt.