Egypt’s GDP could grow by 34% if gender gaps are closed -IFC

“Banks that lend to women-owned SMEs could tap into a currently unserved credit market worth USD 283 mn,” said Nada Shousha, IFC Senior Advisor in Egypt, at a roundtable discussion. “In Egypt, women represent just 12% of permanent full-time workers and 30% of business owners. Only 7 percent of Egypt’s firms are led by a female executive, and they earn, on average, about 22% less than their male counterparts. If Egypt closed these gaps and achieved full gender parity in its labor market, it could see its gross domestic product increase by 34%.”