The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched a two-day workshop titled “Gender-Responsive Just Transition with a Focus on Women’s Entrepreneurship Development.” The workshop, part of the Advancing the Decent Work Agenda in North Africa project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), took place during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Empowering Women in the Green Transition
This dynamic workshop gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, trade unions, civil society, academia, and international experts, all working toward a shared goal: to develop a roadmap for a gender-responsive green transition in Egypt. The event focused on empowering women to take leadership roles in the green economy, a key aspect of ensuring that Egypt’s transition to a sustainable economy benefits all sectors of society.
Key Remarks on Women’s Role in Green Economy
Opening the session, Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office, stressed the importance of aligning national policy priorities with global sustainability goals. He noted that Egypt’s Vision 2030, National Climate Change Strategy, and other initiatives already reflect a commitment to a just, gender-responsive transition.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized the need for equity in the green transition. “Women must not only be participants but also leaders, innovators, and drivers of change,” she said, highlighting the government’s initiatives, including the Egyptian Gender Equality Seal. This program, which certifies private companies committed to gender equality, is helping pave the way for more women entrepreneurs, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and waste management—sectors critical to Egypt’s green economy.
Climate Change, Employment, and Women’s Empowerment
The Minister of Labour, H.E. Mohamed Gobran, addressed the broader implications of climate change on the workforce, emphasizing its role in job loss, increased occupational safety risks, and overall public health concerns. He stressed the importance of integrating climate adaptation efforts into national policies, mentioning Egypt’s hosting of COP27 and the national “Climate is My Responsibility” campaign. Gobran highlighted the crucial role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving climate resilience and job creation in the green sector.
ILO’s Support for Gender-Responsive Climate Action
In his remarks, Eric Oechslin also discussed the ILO’s ongoing work to integrate gender-responsive strategies into national frameworks. He highlighted the success of the Sida-funded ADWA’ project, which has introduced green economy data into Egypt’s Labour Market Panel Survey for the first time, offering valuable insights into the green economy’s workforce. Furthermore, the ILO announced the forthcoming release of an Arabic-language guide on Gender, Equality, and Inclusion for a Just Transition in Climate Action, aimed at supporting national institutions in adopting gender-responsive policies.
Workshop Goals and Expected Outcomes
The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to craft inclusive and gender-responsive strategies in line with the ILO’s guidelines. It focused on policy dialogue around women’s entrepreneurship and its role in advancing gender equality within the green economy. By the end of the workshop, stakeholders are expected to have developed a clear roadmap for integrating these gender-responsive principles into Egypt’s national policies, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensuring women’s central role in climate action and economic transformation.
A Commitment to Achieving SDGs
The ILO’s gender-responsive just transition workshop in Egypt represents a significant step in advancing the nation’s green economy and empowering women to become leaders in this transformative process. Through collaboration, the workshop reinforces the urgent need to promote gender equality, climate action, and decent work, all critical elements for a sustainable and equitable future.
