Representations of women in the economic newspapers and their relations to the social and economic reality of Egyptian women

summary: The study aimed to monitor, analyze and interpret the extent of women's representation in the Egyptian economic press and their relations to the social and economic reality of Egyptian women. This will be through explanatory analytical study using Context theory and Feminist theory. The study used media survey method depending on the active player analysis, and content analysis tools. These were applied on pages of economic in the newspapers of Al-Ahram, AL Masry AL Youm, Al-Wafd and AL MAL. During 2020 from April 23 to October 31.
found that: This study relied on Context theory to reveal the representation of women in the economic press, as: an editor and source of information and Active players influencing the economic sector. And test this results within the framework of the assumptions of feminist theory. It is clear that despite non "symbolic annihilation" of women in the three ares, their percentage reflect inequality and discrimination in favor of men, whether quantitative or qualitative empowerment. As follows:
1. Men dominate editorial decision-making, which clearly indicates that women in the field of economic journalism work according to the male culture. And that the percentage of economic topics that men write is the highest. However, women editor were able to delve into men domains such as industry, investment, finance and real estate, and proved their superiority.
2. As sources of information it is clear that: The voices of men dominated in large proportions over women's voices, in a way reflect the marginalization "intentionally or unintentionally" of women as active players in economic life. The overall percentage of women’s voices appearing in the study newspapers was 6.8%. This percentage, along with its decrease, is not representative. Because: 64.0% of this percentage is due only to female ministers. If a ministerial reshuffle occurs and the woman is absent, the symbolic annihilation of the woman’s voice will be evident in the press coverage.
It's surprising that: Women editors do not support women sources, as the study showed that women's voices often find a space in the press coverage through the pens of men editors, while women editors tend to rely on men voices.
3. Coverage and press sources gave value to men's activity and their impact on the economic life more than women's activity; This reflects the limited role of women in economic life from the point of view of press coverage, women only get 4.3% as active players on coverage.
Interestingly: Women sources highlight women as active players in economic life, while male sources tend to highlight active men. This could be because: The active women are often have authority as women ministers, and therefore it is natural to follow their news and activities. Anda also Sometimes the source and the active player are the same person. These active women have been given positive roles in the coverage that reflect their ability to assume responsibility.
 It turns out that gender is not a ruling factor in determining the effective players in economic life, and that the most influential factor is power and influence.
4. This study recommends increasing women's empowerment in newsrooms and decision-making. And also the need to give greater attention to women as sources and effective players and not to limit attention to senior positions and focus on successful examples of female workers in the economic sector, and on women as experts and citizens.