The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s initiative “Qodwa.Tech” has been recognized as one of the world’s top best practices in digital and socioeconomic empowerment for women and female artisans during the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held at Palais de Chaillot in Paris on October 29–30, 2025.
Under this year’s theme, “New Alliances for Peace, People, and the Planet,” the Paris Peace Forum selected 30 global projects—out of nearly 400 international submissions—for their outstanding contributions to sustainable development and social innovation. Qodwa.Tech proudly represented Egypt and the Arab region, sharing its transformative model for inclusive and sustainable digital empowerment.
Representing the Egyptian delegation were Dr. Hala El-Sadeq, Head of the Central Department for Digital Community Development, and Ms. Marwa Al-Naqrashi, Director of Developmental and Knowledge Programs.
Empowering Women Through Digital Transformation
The participation of Qodwa.Tech underscores Egypt’s leadership in integrating digital transformation into national strategies for women’s empowerment. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive innovation and data-driven policy.
Through targeted training and access to technology, Qodwa.Tech equips women—especially female artisans in rural and marginalized communities—with the digital tools and knowledge needed to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. The program focuses on key areas such as:
- AI-enhanced digital skills development
- E-commerce and digital marketing training
- Financial inclusion technologies
- Digital and interactive content creation for online platforms
Data-Driven Development and Inclusive Digital Policies
During the Forum, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also highlighted its broader efforts to embed non-traditional data in national planning, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making. Among the initiatives presented were:
- The adoption of Egypt’s Open Data Policy, the country’s first national policy for transparency and innovation;
- Implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) No. 151 of 2020, ensuring privacy and compliance with international data standards;
- Development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to support equitable access to digital economic opportunities, particularly for women.
Local Change-Makers and Sustainable Knowledge Networks
A highlight of Qodwa.Tech’s presentation was its innovative “Info-Lady” model—a network of educated women acting as local digital ambassadors within rural communities. These women bridge cultural norms and digital literacy, serving as trusted intermediaries who introduce peers to modern technologies. Each trained participant mentors others, creating a peer-to-peer learning system that ensures sustainable knowledge transfer and long-term community impact.
Dr. Hala El-Sadeq emphasized during a panel on “Combating Gender-Based Violence: Data, Narratives, and Leadership” that sustainable impact comes from capacity building rather than short-term funding. “True empowerment lies in building institutional resilience and enabling frameworks that continue beyond initial project cycles,” she noted.
She also praised the ongoing cooperation between the Egyptian government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other international partners, describing it as a “model partnership that blends policy support with skill development to create a national ecosystem for women’s digital empowerment.”
Expanding a Regional Model
Looking ahead, El-Sadeq announced that Qodwa.Tech plans to expand its reach across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), transforming traditional crafts into pathways for sustainable economic growth, peace, and equity.
A Global Platform for Peace and Innovation
The Paris Peace Forum serves as a global platform that brings together heads of state, policymakers, NGOs, and private sector leaders to advance multilateral solutions for global challenges. The 2025 edition hosted 15 heads of state and government and delegations from 21 countries, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in building a more inclusive and resilient world.
