On Monday, Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, attended the celebration organized by Fulbright Egypt, marking the 75th anniversary of women’s leadership and global impact. The event brought together Ms. Maggie Nasif, Executive Director of Fulbright Egypt, Ambassador Hero Mustafa Garge, U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Honorary Chairwoman of the Fulbright Commission, and several prominent figures, including H.E. Hossam El-Kawysh, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, and numerous leaders from Fulbright, universities, and various ministries.
In her speech, Minister Awad expressed her delight in celebrating 75 years of women’s leadership and global influence, extending her heartfelt congratulations to women worldwide for their immeasurable contributions toward establishing human rights values. She emphasized that this occasion serves as an opportunity to reflect on the legal, political, economic, and cultural achievements women have made, underscoring their vital role in national development and raising future generations.
Dr. Awad also expressed her joy in gathering with influential Egyptian women in key fields, aligning with the global celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and Egyptian Women’s Day on March 16 annually.
The Minister highlighted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s declaration of 2017 as the “Year of Egyptian Women” as a groundbreaking initiative in the nation’s history. She also noted the launch of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, affirming Egypt’s leadership in aligning this strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy reaffirms the nation’s belief in the essential role of women in societal progress, emphasizing that no society can thrive without the active participation of women across all sectors of life.
At the Ministry of Local Development, Dr. Awad mentioned that 27 gender equality units were established at the governorate level and 226 at the district and local levels. Women now make up 45% of the ministry’s staff, with 24% in leadership roles, including positions such as governor, deputy governor, and city and district heads. The ministry focuses on creating employment opportunities for women, especially female-headed households, to improve family livelihoods through the Local Development Fund, which supports small, medium, and micro-enterprises.
Dr. Awad also highlighted the ministry’s initiatives in protecting and combating violence against women, including the “Together Against Violence” initiative, which addresses domestic and social violence. Additionally, the “Illiteracy-Free Village” initiative focuses on eradicating illiteracy, preventing school dropouts, and promoting the importance of educating girls. The “Day in a Village” initiative aims to address issues faced by working women in various governorates.
Finally, the Minister expressed her gratitude to Fulbright Egypt for its efforts and collaboration during her tenure as Governor of Damietta and reiterated her readiness to support the commission’s work in the coming phase to implement numerous programs and initiatives across Egypt. She also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to sharing its expertise to further the goals of the partnership.
