The Culture and Arts Committee of the National Council for Women (NCW), chaired by Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, held its regular meeting at the NCW headquarters and via video conference, bringing together committee members to discuss a comprehensive cultural agenda aimed at empowering women and supporting mental health through art and creativity.
The meeting was moderated by Dr. Mervat Abou Ouf, Deputy Rapporteur, who emphasized the importance of building partnerships with cultural and artistic festivals that address social issues—highlighting examples such as the Luxor African Film Festival and MedFest, a unique medical film festival focused on mental health awareness through cinema and workshops.
Storytelling for Seniors and Healing Through Art
Committee member Wafaa El-Hakim shared insights from the recent “Yalla Nehki Men El Alb” (Let’s Speak from the Heart) storytelling workshops held in elderly homes as part of the Cairo International Storytelling Forum. The initiative helped improve the emotional wellbeing of seniors by using the therapeutic power of storytelling and human connection.
Art as a Tool for Community Therapy
Among the upcoming initiatives discussed was “Community Therapy Through Art”, proposed by Dr. Sahar Fayeq, which focuses on psychosocial support for women and girls using creative arts and cultural industries as safe therapeutic tools. The committee agreed on the importance of collaborating with the Health and Population Committee to hold joint awareness sessions exploring the interlinkage between mental and public health.
Children Without Cancer: A Pilot Project’s Success
The meeting also included a review of the “Children Without Cancer” pilot program, led by art therapy expert Dr. Manal Aliwa. The initiative, implemented over three months at Borg El Arab Hospital, used art to support children with cancer and their families, and was praised for its positive psychological outcomes and potential for national expansion.
Strategic Proposals for the Coming Months
The committee discussed a number of forward-looking proposals to strengthen the NCW’s cultural outreach, including:
- Adopting the “Art Therapy” initiative as a long-term program
- Hosting educational seminars on therapeutic arts
- Collaborating with the Council’s Foreign Relations Committee to support cultural diplomacy
- Organizing a cultural symposium marking the Grand Egyptian Museum’s grand opening
- Transforming the NCW’s library into a full-fledged cultural center
- Holding a cultural event this October to commemorate the October War victories
These initiatives aim to place culture, arts, and creative therapy at the heart of national efforts to promote women’s mental health, community development, and inclusive empowerment.
