The Egyptian Trade Union Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership, announcing that women now represent approximately 30 percent of the country’s trade union structure. The announcement was made during the BRICS Trade Union Forum held in Hyderabad, India, where Egyptian representatives showcased the country’s progress in strengthening women’s participation in the workforce and decision-making.
Hesham Farouk El Mahery, Vice President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation and President of the General Union of Administrative and Social Services Workers, emphasized that empowering women economically and expanding their participation in the labor market are among the most important pillars of sustainable development. He noted that Egypt has made significant progress in recent years by creating greater opportunities for women across multiple sectors, reinforcing their role as equal partners in national development and economic growth.
El Mahery delivered these remarks while participating in the BRICS Trade Union Forum as part of the Egyptian delegation led by Abdel Moneim El Gammal, President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation, alongside Abbas Saber, President of the General Union of Petroleum Workers. During the forum, the delegation presented Egypt’s experience in supporting women workers and strengthening their representation within workplaces and trade union leadership.
He highlighted the achievements of Egyptian women across diverse industries, describing them as successful contributors to production, innovation, and community development while continuing to play a vital role within their families. He stressed that sustaining this progress requires safe and inclusive workplaces, equal employment opportunities, and expanded training and professional development programs that enable women to keep pace with the evolving demands of the modern labor market.
According to El Mahery, protecting the rights of working women remains a top priority for the Egyptian Trade Union Federation. The federation continues to advocate policies that promote equality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen social protection, and enhance women’s professional skills and career advancement.
One of the strongest indicators of this commitment is women’s growing participation within the trade union movement itself. Women currently account for nearly 30 percent of the federation’s organizational structure, reflecting the labor movement’s confidence in women’s ability to contribute to decision-making, represent female workers, and help shape the future of trade union activities in Egypt.
El Mahery also described investment in women as a direct investment in the nation’s future, explaining that increasing women’s participation in economic development contributes to stronger economic performance and improved social well-being. He called for closer cooperation among governments, employers’ organizations, labor unions, and civil society organizations to create fair employment opportunities and support women’s full participation in the economy.
He concluded by expressing hope that the BRICS Trade Union Forum would produce practical recommendations to strengthen women’s position in the world of work while helping member countries develop more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable labor markets.
The participation of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation in the BRICS forum reflects Egypt’s ongoing efforts to expand women’s representation in leadership positions and promote inclusive economic growth. By increasing women’s involvement in both the workforce and trade union governance, the federation aims to reinforce gender equality while supporting the broader objectives of sustainable development and social justice.
