Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, recently attended the closing ceremony of a four-year program designed to uplift girls in Upper Egypt. This initiative, implemented by the Egypt Foundation for Integrated Development (El Nidaa) in partnership with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), marked a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and community development.
The closing event, which was held in Cairo, saw the participation of notable international figures, including Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), alongside other prominent dignitaries such as Hiba Handousa, Managing Director of El-Nidaa; U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa Garg; USAID Mission Director in Egypt, Sean Jones; UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova; and representatives from Dar Al-Iftaa, civil society organizations, and Egypt’s National Council for Women.
Dr. Al-Mashat delivered a powerful speech acknowledging the invaluable contributions of all partners involved in the program, particularly highlighting the role of USAID and the Coptic Evangelical Organization. She thanked Amina Mohammed for attending the ceremony and praised the program’s impact as a model for integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into development efforts across Egypt, especially in terms of bridging the gender gap.
Transformation Catalyst in Upper Egypt
The program, which spans over 12 years, began in some of Upper Egypt’s most disadvantaged villages, focusing on creating long-lasting change through comprehensive development initiatives that address economic, social, and cultural needs. Al-Mashat emphasized that the program was not just about empowering women but also about enhancing the competitive edge of Upper Egypt through industry, agriculture, trade, and local economic development.
The four-year initiative aimed to increase exports, enhance local competitiveness, and contribute to the broader development agenda of the Egyptian government. Al-Mashat outlined how this initiative brought together various stakeholders to work towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. She stressed the importance of fostering social peace, gender equality, poverty reduction, and job creation, all of which are crucial components of sustainable development.
“I am proud to see the progress we’ve made through this program, which reflects Egypt’s ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality and social progress,” said Al-Mashat, adding that “The government, in partnership with USAID, pursues making real change in the lives of Egyptian citizens, especially women and girls. This program’s impact serves as a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration.”
Women’s Empowerment & Achieving the SDGs
A key aspect of the program was its focus on women’s empowerment, a central pillar in the achievement of the SDGs. Al-Mashat highlighted how empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also an economic one. By improving access to education, vocational training, and economic opportunities, the program sought to transform the lives of thousands of women and girls, enabling them to become drivers of change in their communities.
In an efforts to promote gender equality and improve the welfare of its female citizens, the program’s beneficiaries were described by Al-Mashat as “pioneers of change,” emphasizing the ongoing importance of expanding and improving such initiatives.
A Collaborative Effort to Create Change
Hiba Handousa, Managing Director of El-Nidaa, spoke about the collaborative efforts with USAID to empower both women and youth through infrastructure improvement, industrial development, and social interventions. She detailed the program’s reach, which directly impacted approximately 7,000 individuals, with thousands more benefiting from the indirect effects of social empowerment initiatives and skills development activities.
“This program was not just about training girls; it was about changing mindsets and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy,” Handousa said. “We’ve seen firsthand the impact of our work, and we’re proud of how far we’ve come.”
USAID’s Support and the Impact of Gender-Based Violence Campaigns
Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg acknowledged the significant successes of the program, noting how it had helped pave the way for a brighter future for women and girls in Upper Egypt. She highlighted the event’s timing with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, underscoring the program’s alignment with global efforts to combat violence against women.
“The achievements we celebrate today are a direct result of our shared commitment to women’s empowerment,” Ambassador Garg stated. “This program is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration, and we are proud to have been a part of this initiative.”
Program’s Progress
The closing ceremony was not just a celebration but also a call to continue the work that has begun. Programme Manager Rami Hassan noted that the program was implemented in 12 underserved villages across Qena and Minya governorates, where girls were empowered through a variety of community initiatives, awareness campaigns, skills training, and economic activities. These efforts were designed to create sustainable change, with many of the program’s beneficiaries now equipped to launch their own businesses and contribute to their communities.
As the ceremony concluded, an exhibition was held, showcasing products made by the program’s beneficiaries. These products, ranging from handmade crafts to small-scale agricultural goods, symbolized the success of the initiative and the potential of these young women to drive further economic growth.
