The US Ambassador to Cairo, Herro Mustafa Garg, participated yesterday in the closing day of the 2024 She Arts Festival.
The event aims to provide women in various fields of arts with more space for self-expression and empowerment, according to Sada El Balad.
The closing day featured a performance by US singer and songwriter Julie Odell and the Egyptian artist Youssra El Hawary, who shared the stage for a fusion experience demonstrating how music can bridge between cultures.
Before the performance, the US ambassador stated that the She Arts program has been supported by the US Embassy in Cairo since 2022. She also expressed her excitement about an American artist participating in the festival for the first time.
Mustafa Garg praised the talented Odell, whose music reflects her culture and energy. She also commended the talent of El Hawary, who had previously participated in a US-backed program in Egypt called Center Stage.
On her side, the Spokesperson of the US Embassy in Cairo, Gina Cabrera, said that the US always supports women, especially in the arts. She mentioned several programs and channels to empower women’s talents like NVAK, Center Stage, and cultural exchange programs.
She added that the US believes in the power of arts to create a common ground between cultures. Listening to the voices of women will help empower them economically and socially, which could be part of the cooperation between Egypt and the US in Egypt’s 2030 Vision.
The US gives the highest priority to women in exchange programs and initiatives. Women in several regions in Egypt have received opportunities to be empowered and supported, such as helping women in North Sinai earn a living from their handicrafts and women in Minia who have received the chance to start their own businesses. This includes establishing cooperation with the Azza Fahmy Foundation in historic Cairo to train women in jewelry making and handcrafts.
Cabrera continued, stating that these joint cooperations all over Egypt for over 30 years have helped many women who have exchanged their skills and experiences with younger generations.
Furthermore, Cabrera hailed the mutual music cooperation and ties between Egypt and the US, asserting that music and arts shed light on a unified humanitarian experience.
