Dr. Nevine Al-Qabbag, the Minister of Social Solidarity, organized a capacity-building project aimed at increasing investment in Egypt’s welfare economy. The project was a collaboration between the Ministry and UN-Women, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Government of Canada, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The completion of the project was witnessed by Christine Arab of UN-Women in Egypt, Ayman Abdelal Mawgoud, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Civil Labour Affairs, Dr. Mervat Sabrine, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Protection, and Ministry Labour Leaders.
The interdependence of social and economic development highlights the importance of the welfare economy. This project provides opportunities and investment for Egypt’s welfare economy. The welfare economy aims to be inclusive and cater to everyone’s needs, especially women.
It supports women in various areas, such as health, education, and welfare. The concept of the care economy is broad and encompasses various types, creating numerous job opportunities in the service sector, thereby enhancing productivity, social equity, and contributing to the development of human capital. Women play a significant role in the welfare economy, particularly in the Arab States.
Efforts are being made to understand the characteristics and key players of the care economy and to address the needs, expectations, and policies related to caregivers’ rights. This is important in light of the challenges faced, including the need for broader inclusion and changing the sector’s negative stereotype.
The Minister of Social Solidarity emphasized the significance of this project in light of the increasing importance of the social welfare economy. This economy is built on various economic activities and services aimed at providing care for diverse age groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Women’s economic empowerment and participation in the labor market are hindered.
