The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Egypt has launched a digital campaign to raise awareness about the connection between food security and gender-based violence (GBV), coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Running from November 25 to December 10, the campaign uses Instagram to share insights from 10 influential public figures and experts across sectors like media, mental health, food industry, sports, STEM, corporate, and nutrition.
Highlighting the Impact of GBV on Food Security
The campaign sheds light on how GBV disproportionately affects women’s access to basic resources, including food. During the campaign, WFP hosted an interactive panel discussion featuring experts and public figures who discussed the role of GBV in limiting women’s access to food and other necessities. The event brought together members of the diplomatic and donor communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders to brainstorm solutions.
The Role of Partnerships in Tackling GBV and Food Insecurity
Jean-Pierre de Margerie, WFP Egypt’s representative and country director, emphasized the significance of partnerships in addressing food security and GBV. He highlighted WFP’s ongoing work with the Egyptian government, including economic empowerment programs such as She Can. This initiative provides women with entrepreneurship training and micro-loans, enabling them to start businesses, boost household incomes, and reduce their vulnerability to violence.
Influential Voices Call for Change
TV Presenter Rana Arafa, a participant in the campaign, expressed her pride in being part of the initiative. She stressed how violence prevents women from accessing essential resources. “By showcasing real stories of resilience and change, we can challenge societal stigmas, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action to combat GBV,” she said.
Michel Gerges, founder of Rajul, a platform that supports men in understanding their roles in society, also contributed to the campaign. He spoke about how societal perceptions of masculinity contribute to GBV, which can have dire consequences on the basic needs of families, including food security. “We must understand how society’s expectations can influence GBV,” Gerges noted.
WFP’s Ongoing Support for Women in Egypt
The campaign is part of WFP’s broader efforts to support women in Egypt through gender-sensitive food distributions and economic empowerment initiatives. In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, WFP has helped rural women increase their household incomes by nearly 50%. This work highlights the crucial role of empowering women in addressing both GBV and food insecurity.
A Call for Action and Long-Term Change
Through diverse perspectives and real-world solutions, the campaign reaffirms WFP’s commitment to tackling GBV, empowering women, and promoting more equitable and resilient communities in Egypt. By addressing the intertwined issues of food security and gender-based violence, WFP is helping to foster a more just and supportive environment for women across the country.
