A Systematic Review of Gender and Power in Post-2011 Egyptian Political Transitions: An African Perspective

Background: A significant gap exists in African Studies regarding the analysis of gender and power within political transitions in Africa. This review focuses on Egypt’s post-2011 landscape, specifically examining the period from 2021 to 2026, to address this deficit from an African perspective. Purpose and objectives: The purpose is to systematically map and synthesise contemporary scholarship. The objectives are to clarify central academic debates, identify practical implications for policy and activism, and propose a focused agenda for future research within the specified timeframe. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted. It involved a structured search, selection, and appraisal of relevant scholarly works published between 2021 and 2026. Data from included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. Findings: The synthesis reveals that patriarchal structures and state-centric power dynamics persistently constrain meaningful gender inclusion in Egypt’s political sphere. Concurrently, evidence points to emerging, localised innovations in women’s political mobilisation and discursive contestation. However, the evidence base is uneven, with more robust analysis of formal politics than of informal or grassroots movements. Conclusion: The review concludes that gender and power in Egyptian political transitions are characterised by a tension between entrenched constraints and incremental agency. It underscores the necessity for context-specific analytical frameworks and more rigorous, primary empirical research in future studies. Recommendations: Researchers should pursue granular, field-based studies to strengthen the empirical foundation. Policymakers and civil society stakeholders should prioritise inclusive strategies that are grounded in local realities and advocate for greater transparency in gender-related data. Key words: Gender, power dynamics, political transitions, Egypt, Africa, African Studies, systematic review Contribution statement: This review consolidates and critically assesses the current state of knowledge (2021–2026), offering a consolidated evidence base and clear directions for subsequent scholarship and practice in the field.