WoMENA–AHLN and SILC Host Regional Webinar on Women’s Rights, Decent Work, and Economic Empowerment in MENA

The WoMENA Committee of the Arab Liberal Network (AHLN), in partnership with the Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), organized a regional webinar titled “Women and Decent Work in the Middle East and North Africa: Challenges, Rights, and Opportunities.” The event brought together female representatives of AHLN-affiliated political parties to discuss women’s employment rights, gender equality in the workplace, and economic empowerment across the MENA region.

The webinar opened with welcoming remarks by AHLN President Myrna Mneimneh, who highlighted the persistent social, economic, and professional barriers facing women in MENA, particularly in accessing equal employment opportunities. She emphasized the importance of regional dialogue in advancing women’s rights, workplace inclusion, and equal opportunities, noting that women have consistently demonstrated their capabilities and established themselves as essential contributors to economic growth and sustainable development.

Lobna Amheir, Coordinator of the WoMENA Committee, welcomed participants and reaffirmed WoMENA’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive policy dialogue. She stressed the committee’s role in addressing the challenges affecting women across the region and creating opportunities for meaningful discussions on women's rights and participation.

Women’s Employment Rights and Labor Market Challenges

During the webinar, Shaimaa El Shawarby, journalist, writer, and President of the Women’s Union of the Egyptian Liberal Party, presented an analysis of women's participation in Egypt’s labor market, focusing on two key groups: women in formal employment and women engaged in informal, seasonal, and domestic work.

Drawing on local, regional, and international statistics, El Shawarby examined the structural barriers affecting women's economic participation and access to decent work. These included limited awareness of labor rights and legal protections, gender-based wage discrimination, unequal recruitment and promotion opportunities, and persistent social expectations that place caregiving responsibilities primarily on women.

She also highlighted the particular vulnerability of women in informal employment, many of whom lack adequate social protection, health insurance, and employment security. Her presentation incorporated documented testimonies illustrating the everyday challenges faced by working women and the broader implications of gender inequality in the labor market.

El Shawarby stressed the importance of raising awareness of women's labor rights, strengthening mechanisms for reporting workplace violations, and encouraging women to pursue complaints without fear of social stigma. She also called for challenging restrictive social norms and traditional gender roles that continue to limit women's professional opportunities and economic independence.

Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment

Despite these challenges, El Shawarby acknowledged positive developments in women's rights legislation, labor protections, and institutional support for gender equality.

She highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, accelerate the implementation of protective legislation, and increase engagement by governmental institutions, civil society organizations, human rights bodies, and the media.

According to El Shawarby, these developments have contributed to improvements in women's labor force participation compared with previous years, while underscoring the need for continued progress toward equal pay, fair employment practices, and greater economic opportunities for women.

The webinar concluded by emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, institutional collaboration, and inclusive labor policies in addressing gender disparities and building safer, fairer, and more equitable workplaces.

Through initiatives such as this regional dialogue, WoMENA–AHLN continues to promote women’s rights, economic empowerment, and gender equality in MENA, encouraging greater awareness, collaboration, and policy-oriented discussions.

The final recommendations emerging from the webinar will be announced at a later stage.