In a visit underscoring Egypt’s commitment to inclusive development and women’s empowerment, Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women (NCW), began her official tour of the Red Sea’s southern cities with a stop in Shalateen. There, she met with Major General Mohamed El-Banna, Head of Shalateen City, to discuss ongoing and future initiatives aimed at empowering women and improving livelihoods in Egypt’s border regions.
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including NCW members Nashwa El-Houfy and Ahood Wafi, Dr. Magda Hanna, Deputy Governor of the Red Sea, Dr. Marwa Hamdy, NCW’s Red Sea Branch Coordinator, Dr. Dalia Ibrahim, Chairperson of Nahdet Misr Publishing Group, Dr. Nabila Abdel Maqsoud, Head of Medical Caravans at the National Research Center, and Mr. Mohamed Hussein, Director of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in the governorate.
Counselor Amal Ammar expressed the Council’s full support for the activation of a local handicrafts workshop in Shalateen, which she described as a pioneering model for reviving and promoting traditional industries. These heritage crafts, she said, not only preserve the cultural identity of the region but also play a key role in creating job opportunities for women and young girls, ultimately leading to sustainable economic empowerment.
She stressed that the Council places a strong emphasis on cultural empowerment, pointing to the NCW’s anticipated participation in the upcoming Book Fair in the Red Sea Governorate. The fair will include awareness sessions and educational workshops for children and youth, aimed at spreading a culture of reading, literacy, and lifelong learning.
Major General Mohamed El-Banna welcomed the NCW delegation and commended their efforts, noting that such initiatives reflect the state’s broader strategy to empower women in Egypt’s border and underserved areas. He emphasized the importance of integrated cooperation between government bodies, civil society, and development institutions to provide logistical and technical support for projects that improve the quality of life for women and their families. “Empowering women is not only a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for sustainable development,” he said.
This visit to Shalateen is part of Counselor Amal Ammar’s broader inspection tour of Halayeb and Shalateen. The aim is to introduce the Council’s mission and ongoing work in the region, while also engaging directly with women on the ground to better understand their priorities, challenges, and aspirations.
