Economic empowerment of rural women is crucial for improving household livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions. This study investigates the factors influencing the economic empowerment of women in three isolated villages of Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. The research aims to explore how income-generating activities (IGAs) influence the economic empowerment of women and enhance overall household livelihoods in these communities.
A quantitative research approach was employed, focusing on three villages: Ibrahim ElDosouky, Elsayed Elbadawy, and Sidi Talha, characterized by poverty and limited access to food and services. The preparatory phase included field visits and personal interviews with community leaders. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal interviews with 200 women in IGAs, randomly selected to ensure representativeness. The sampling was selected across the villages, comprising 55, 105, and 40 women from Ibrahim Eldosouky, Elsayed Elbadawy, and Sidi Talha, respectively. Data collection occurred in January and February 2023.
The findings reveal significant factors influencing women's empowerment, including control over income, participation in family decisions, and economic security. Women engaged in IGAs reported higher empowerment levels, with variations observed among the villages. The study highlights the critical role of women from smaller households in enhancing overall livelihoods