Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsi, met with Mrs. Valerie Hooper, Founder and President of the Institute for Women’s Health (IWH) in the United States, and her accompanying delegation. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of Ms. Dina Al-Sayirfi, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and International Relations, and Ms. Amira Taj, Director of International Relations and Agreements at the Ministry.
The meeting commenced with Dr. Morsi welcoming Mrs. Hooper and expressing her eagerness to enhance bilateral cooperation to support women’s rights. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen collaboration between the two parties, particularly in the areas of women’s health and empowerment.
Fostering Cooperation on Women’s Health
Dr. Morsi emphasized the government’s commitment to improving women’s health, particularly through initiatives such as the “Support for Egyptian Women’s Health” program, which aligns with the vision of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. She also highlighted the importance of the “First 1,000 Days of a Child’s Life” program, implemented by the Ministry in partnership with the World Food Programme. Additionally, the Ministry focuses on family and women’s welfare, ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups such as women, orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Mrs. Hooper, in turn, expressed her admiration for Dr. Morsi’s extensive experience and leadership both locally and internationally. She emphasized the IWH’s role in promoting women’s health, safeguarding the right to life, and supporting family protection. She also introduced the “Portigo Initiative,” a program developed in partnership with government ministries to enhance public sector training in education and care. Mrs. Hooper expressed interest in adapting and implementing this initiative in Egypt, recognizing the country as a key player in the North Africa and Middle East region and emphasized the importance of tailoring the program to Egypt’s national context and cultural characteristics.
Additionally, Mrs. Hooper referenced the Geneva Consensus Declaration, a key international document signed by countries including Egypt, Brazil, Uganda, and the United States, aimed at advancing shared values concerning women’s health, family, and public health.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their enthusiasm for deepening collaboration, and further discussions on the potential implementation of the Portigo Initiative in Egypt.
Public Service Decree for University Graduates
In a related development, Dr. Morsi issued a decree assigning the 104th batch of university graduates, both male and female, with Egyptian citizenship to perform public service for one year, starting from February 1, 2025. The decree applies to female graduates of universities and higher institutes, including those who completed their studies in the second term of 2024, as well as male graduates who have been exempted from military service and those who have been available for military duty for over three years.
