The Al-Ahram Foundation, under the patronage of the National Press Authority, has organized the first edition of its “Women and the Word” celebration, held on Tuesday at Al-Ahram headquarters, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the newspaper’s founding.
The event brought together senior editors, board chairs, journalists, and media professionals, and highlighted the historic role of Egyptian women in journalism and media as key partners in shaping public awareness and intellectual enlightenment. Speakers emphasized that empowering women aligns with the Egyptian state’s broader vision and the leadership’s commitment to expanding their participation across all sectors of work and responsibility. The ceremony included the screening of a documentary on the history of Al-Ahram and another film titled “Women and the Word,” which showcased the contributions of Egyptian women throughout history and highlighted pioneering figures in journalism.
Dr. Mohamed Fawzy Farahat, Chairman of the Board of Al-Ahram Foundation, stated that the initiative aligns with state policy and the leadership’s focus on empowering women in administrative and developmental roles, as well as increasing their representation in state institutions. He stressed that women have played an essential role in both the pioneering and modern phases of journalism, with a longstanding presence across Al-Ahram’s history in editorial and professional roles. He also noted Al-Ahram’s contribution to supporting women’s journalism through specialized publications and dedicated pages focusing on women’s and social issues, announcing the launch of “Al-Ahram Style” as part of the institution’s cultural expansion.
Dr. Hala El-Said, Presidential Advisor for Economic Development, expressed her appreciation for the event, describing Al-Ahram as a long-standing institution that has shaped awareness and intellectual discourse across generations. She emphasized that women have not been marginal contributors but active partners in building society and shaping public consciousness. Writer Mohamed Salmawy highlighted that women have been integral to Arab journalism since its early days, contributing significantly to shaping collective awareness. He also noted the diversity of the honorees from various press institutions, expressing hope that the initiative becomes an annual tradition to recognize influential female figures in Egyptian media history.
The event concluded with honoring a group of pioneering journalists and media figures from Al-Ahram, Akhbar El-Yom, Dar Al-Hilal, Al-Gomhuria, and other institutions, as well as a special tribute to Palestinian journalist Mona Awad for her coverage of the Palestinian cause. A symbolic recognition was also given to several late female journalists who left a lasting impact on Egyptian journalism, alongside members of the advisory committee overseeing the event, which includes senior media and press figures from across Egypt’s leading institutions.
