Under the patronage of Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsy inaugurated the fourth edition of the “CEO Women” conference in Cairo — a landmark gathering of executive women leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Egypt and the region.
The event brought together prominent figures, including Dr. Hala El-Said, Economic Advisor to the President and former Minister of Planning; Justice Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women; Basil Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency; Eng. Ghada Labib, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Mona Murad, Founder and CEO of “CEO Women”; Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent; and Dina El-Sayrafi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for International Cooperation.
In her keynote, Dr. Morsy delivered a heartfelt and unapologetically bold message, speaking directly to the lived experiences of women in leadership. Addressing the audience, she began:
“To the women of the present and the architects of the future—you are not here by chance. You are not statistics. You are leaders of a world in need of wisdom, inclusion, and humanity.”
She praised the determination and courage it takes for women to rise to executive roles, while also acknowledging the often-invisible pressures they carry — especially as mothers.
“Behind the glow of high-level positions lies a silent struggle — the balancing act of motherhood and leadership,” she said. “Every late hour at work is praised as a father’s sacrifice but seen as a mother’s shortfall. It’s time to rewrite that narrative.”
Throughout her speech, Dr. Morsy challenged the notion that women must sacrifice one identity for another. Instead, she reframed motherhood as a leadership strength, drawing parallels between parenting and executive competencies such as crisis management, negotiation, strategic planning, and empathy.
She also shared a set of practical principles for women in leadership, emphasizing the importance of forming authentic alliances, empowering others, trusting instinct, embracing emotional intelligence, and letting go of the illusion of perfect balance. Rather than striving for an unattainable work-life equilibrium, she advocated for conscious integration — being fully present wherever one is, whether in a boardroom or at home.
“Your voice is not just one among many — it is the compass guiding the future. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about leaving the deepest impact,” she said.
Dr. Morsy urged attendees to create space for the next generation by mentoring rising talent and breaking down systemic barriers. “Each challenge you overcome builds a staircase for another woman to climb,” she said. “Lift as you rise. That’s how we achieve true, lasting change.”
She concluded her address with a powerful reminder: “You are not just part of the change — you are the change. True success isn’t measured by titles alone, but by the legacy you leave behind — in your workplace, your family, and your community.”
The “CEO Women” conference, founded by Mona Murad, continues to serve as a vital platform for executive women across Egypt and the region. Now in its fourth year, it promotes inclusive leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and the advancement of women into top decision-making roles — a goal that aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As the 2025 edition concludes, one message resonates above all: leadership led by empathy, authenticity, and shared purpose is not only possible — it is essential.
