Gender equality in a time of change: Gender mainstreaming after Egypt's Arab Spring

Abstract

Synopsis In this article, we examine the implementation of gender mainstreaming in post-revolutionary Egypt. In-depth interviews with gender mainstreaming implementers found contested views of how to achieve gender equality using gender mainstreaming, tensions between “gender equality” and “mainstream” agendas, and challenges with implementing a global strategy in an Egyptian context. We conclude that there is a need to rethink the implementation of gender mainstreaming and to increase commitment to it on both the governmental and organizational levels. Including men and taking culture into account are key to success, and building consensus around the issue of equality among women's groups should be helpful. Although progress is likely to be slow, we argue that gender mainstreaming has the potential to move equality forward in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.