remained one of the world's poorest countries as measured by per capita income. This situation had made life more difficult for Egyptian women, but somewhat paradoxically has created an environment wherein women's rights can be advanced (Kandiyoti 3-4).
The changing Egyptian economy has, on the positive side of the ledger, created demands for workers than can be satisfied only through the employment of women, while in a negative context economic conditions have deteriorated to the point where it is more often than not necessary for a wife to work outside the home to supplement the family income (Mohsen 57). Together, these factors provide both the opportunity and the motivation for Egyptian women to work outside the home. Additionally, the latter factor has meant "less pressure from their families to keep them from seeking it" (Mohsen 57). Thus, during the contemporary phase of
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