Egypt has taken another significant step toward strengthening women’s participation in economic development with the launch of Women&Co, a new platform designed to support women’s economic empowerment, promote inclusive workplaces, and help businesses integrate sustainability into their operations.
The launch event brought together representatives from government institutions, international organizations, development partners, and the private sector, highlighting the growing recognition that women’s empowerment is a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
A Collaborative Vision for Women’s Empowerment
The platform was launched with the participation of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and the National Council for Women, alongside key stakeholders committed to advancing social and economic inclusion.
Among the attendees were Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, Chairperson of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, Dina El Seirfy, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for International Cooperation and International Relations, Mai Mahmoud, Director General of the Women Business Development Center at the National Council for Women, Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, and representatives from leading international development organizations.
Women&Co aims to create practical pathways for women’s empowerment by connecting social development goals with private-sector growth, sustainability strategies, and employment opportunities.
Supporting Businesses Through ESG Excellence
A core focus of the platform is helping companies strengthen their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance through specialized advisory services, capacity-building programs, and practical implementation tools.
The initiative seeks to support organizations in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces while improving their readiness for sustainable and green financing opportunities. By integrating measurable ESG indicators into business operations, companies can enhance long-term competitiveness, resilience, and investor confidence.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the social dimension of ESG frameworks, including gender equality, women’s leadership development, employee well-being, talent retention, and inclusive workplace policies.
Co-Creating Solutions for Real Impact
One of the most distinctive aspects of the launch was its commitment to a co-creation approach. Representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and women from local communities participated in workshops and consultation sessions to help shape the platform’s future services.
Developed in collaboration with Pathfinder International, the platform seeks to ensure that its programs respond directly to both investment priorities and the real needs of women and businesses operating in Egypt.
This participatory model reflects a broader shift toward designing development solutions that are informed by local experiences, practical challenges, and measurable outcomes.
Strengthening Sustainable Development Goals
The discussions held during the launch addressed several critical issues affecting both businesses and communities, including gender equality in the workplace, carbon reduction strategies, the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for Egyptian businesses, and improved access to green and inclusive finance.
The event also featured participation from representatives of major international organizations and institutions, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), CARE International, and other development partners working to advance sustainable growth.
Creating Opportunities for Women and the Economy
According to Dina El Seirfy, the Ministry of Social Solidarity continues to work closely with national partners to expand women’s economic empowerment initiatives, strengthen social and productive protection programs, increase women’s participation in the labor market, and create sustainable income-generating opportunities.
As Egypt continues to pursue ambitious economic and sustainability goals, initiatives such as Women&Co demonstrate the growing alignment between women’s empowerment, responsible business practices, and long-term economic resilience.
By fostering inclusive workplaces, supporting women’s leadership, and helping companies embrace sustainability standards, Women&Co has the potential to become an important catalyst for both social progress and economic transformation in Egypt.
