... interviews with 40 owners and co-owners of artisanal ventures operating in Egypt. Findings The findings identify three key drivers for formalizing existing informal artisanal enterprises in Egypt: Institutional drivers (the need for artisanal hubs, promoting international visibility), Operational drivers...

... to initiate business ventures; and socio-cultural barriers, encompassing traditional gender roles and shifting priorities toward religious practices. These factors collectively contribute to the widespread overlooking of self-employment opportunities among senior women in Egypt. Originality/value...