The Ministry of Labor is taking decisive steps to enhance gender integration in the Egyptian workforce. As part of the state’s investment plan, the Ministry recently conducted a field visit to Port Said to monitor the “Support for Gender Integration in the Labor Market” project. This initiative, which is currently being implemented across several governorates, aims to bridge the gap between social support and economic independence for women.
Dr. Sherine Abdel-Hay, General Director of the General Administration for Women and Child Affairs, confirmed that the project embodies the Ministry’s vision for holistic empowerment—economic, social, and even health-related. The program targets 700 women across Port Said, Cairo, Gharbia, and Assiut, focusing on those most in need of support, including female breadwinners, women with disabilities, and mothers of working children. The project welcomes women aged 20 to 60 who are ready to enter the job market.
In Port Said alone, the project is currently qualifying 150 women in specialized productive skills. While traditional crafts like upholstery and hand embroidery remain staples, the Ministry has introduced “Resin Art” for the first time. This trendy and highly marketable skill opens new doors for creative self-employment and helps women diversify their income streams.
Beyond vocational training, the project offers a comprehensive awareness track. It covers essential topics such as women’s rights, the culture of entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, aiming to turn participants into “digital entrepreneurs.” To ensure a sustainable impact, the initiative also provides free medical examinations for all beneficiaries, reflecting the state’s commitment to a healthy and productive female workforce.
A highlight of the recent activities was a field tour of a ready-made garment factory in the Port Said Free Investment Zone. Trainees were given a firsthand look at professional production cycles to align their skills with actual market demands. The visit yielded immediate results, with the factory management expressing readiness to provide 20 job opportunities for program graduates—a major milestone in the project’s ultimate goal of employment.
This initiative is a practical model of the Ministry of Labor’s commitment to the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030. By equipping women with modern skills and fostering a supportive environment, the Ministry is ensuring that Egyptian women are not just participants, but leaders in the nation’s sustainable development journey.
