Gender-Sensitive Health Insurance Strategies in Cairo: Impacts on Maternal Healthcare Utilization and Economic Empowerment

Cairo, Egypt is a significant urban centre where gender disparities in healthcare access persist despite growing economic opportunities for women. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative surveys (n=500) and qualitative interviews (n=50) to assess changes in access to maternal care services and women’s financial independence post-strategy implementation. Female respondents reported a 42% increase in healthcare utilization for pregnancy-related complications following the introduction of tailored health insurance policies, with notable improvements in prenatal check-ups and emergency obstetric care provision. Gender-sensitive health insurance strategies have significantly enhanced access to maternal healthcare services among female workers in Cairo, contributing positively to their economic empowerment. Continued support for these initiatives is recommended to sustain the observed benefits and address remaining gaps in service delivery and financial inclusion. Maternal Healthcare Utilization, Economic Empowerment, Gender-Sensitive Insurance Strategies, Cairo