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Summer 2005

The Second Question

"What's it like as a woman working there?" is the second of three questions I most frequently hear when I mention working in Egypt. Like the first question, "Aren't you afraid?" the question reflects the perceptions of the person asking. Frequently, the US vision of a Middle Eastern woman is drawn from news footage about Saudi Arabia and its culture.

There are two parts to my answer. Part one is that teachers are held in high regard, so my profession grants me respect. In addition, like any training course, once I prove my credibility and competence, I'm accepted. Also, Egyptians are widely known for their hospitality and I have always found a very welcoming atmosphere.

Part two is that Egypt's women are very involved in business. One third to one half of the participants in the leadership programs I've been involved with are women. Egyptian women are well represented in the government sector and hold high level managerial positions, as well as being represented at other levels within the sector. Women are also in private sector ventures, such as pharmaceuticals, medical professions, travel and tourism, entertainment and others.

Unlike women in Saudi Arabia, women in Egypt are free to choose their mode of dress. Some women do dress in the black chador, but they are a relatively small percentage of business women. There is a wide range of business styles from an abaya (a long robe) and head scarf, to western-style business suits worn with or without a headscarf to more business casual with or without a headscarf. Pantsuits are completely acceptable as are skirt suits with longer skirts, as dress is typically more modest than acceptable dress in US businesses.

The short answer then to "What's it like as a woman working there?" is "Pretty much the same as a woman working here."

As for the third question, "Can I carry your bags next trip?" Sorry, I'm backlogged on applications for the position and besides, Mom asked first. For those who've always longed to visit Egypt, why not pack and carry your own bags over?