Egypt’s Administrative Prosecution Authority (APA), through its Media and Monitoring Center, on Sunday launched a high-level national initiative titled “Together to Combat Workplace Violence Against Women,” signaling a renewed institutional commitment to gender justice, safe workplaces, and equal opportunity across the public sector.
The event was held at the Grand Celebration Hall of the Administrative Prosecution Complex in New Cairo and was attended by senior judicial, governmental, and civil society leaders, underscoring the growing national consensus around zero tolerance for workplace violence and discrimination.
High-Level Judicial and National Participation
The opening ceremony was presided over by Counselor Mohamed El-Shenawy, President of the Administrative Prosecution Authority, and honored by the presence of Judge Assem El-Ghaish, President of the Supreme Judicial Council and Chief Justice of Egypt’s Court of Cassation.
Among the distinguished attendees were:
- Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women
- Mona Zulficar, Founding Partner and Chair of Executive Committee at Zulficar & Partners Law Firm
- Amb. Mahmoud Karem, President of the National Council for Human Rights
- Eng. Amal Mabdi, Chair of the Egyptian Federation for Intellectual Disabilities and Vice President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee
- Dr. Eman Karim, Supervisor-General of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities
- Dr. Solafa Jouaily, Executive Director of the National Training Academy
- Prof. Mona Hagrass, Assistant Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities
Senior APA officials, judicial leaders, Ministry of Justice advisers, and members of the Administrative Prosecution Authority also attended.
Institutional Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Work Environments
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Counselor Birehan Mohsen, Head of the APA’s Women’s Affairs, Human Rights, and Persons with Disabilities Unit, who emphasized that the initiative reflects the Authority’s firm resolve to foster a safe, supportive, and discrimination-free work environment for women within state institutions.
A short documentary produced by the Unit followed, under the slogan “Empowerment – Protection – Justice for All,” highlighting the APA’s investigative and disciplinary efforts to confront all forms of violence against women in public service.
Landmark Cases and Legal Enforcement
Counselor Mohamed Samir, Official Spokesperson of the Administrative Prosecution Authority and Director of the Media and Monitoring Center, delivered a data-driven presentation reviewing key disciplinary cases involving workplace violence against women, many of which resulted in deterrent sanctions. His presentation underscored the Authority’s proactive role in enforcing accountability and safeguarding women’s rights in the public sector.
Legal expert Counselor Ashraf Abdel-Meguid, a member of the Supreme Committee for Legislative Reform, outlined Egypt’s evolving legislative framework criminalizing violence against women, emphasizing the importance of measuring legislative impact and closing enforcement gaps.
Voices from Civil Society and Disability Advocacy
Renowned legal practitioner Mona Zulficar, Founding Partner and Executive Chair of Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, stressed the necessity of strengthening legal protection mechanisms and ensuring women can report workplace abuse without fear of retaliation.
Advocates for women with disabilities also played a prominent role. Eng. Amal Mabdi highlighted the urgent need for inclusive, accessible reporting mechanisms that accommodate women with disabilities, while Dr. Eman Karim affirmed that empowering women—particularly women with disabilities—is central to Egypt’s sustainable development strategy and Vision Egypt 2030.
Government and National Council Perspectives
From the Ministry of Justice, Counselor Susan Abdel Rahman, Assistant Minister for Human Rights, Women, and Children, reaffirmed that combating workplace violence is a top governmental priority, calling for stronger complaint systems and continuous monitoring.
Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women, emphasized the importance of institutional coordination and public awareness, noting that workplace equality is essential to building a culture of respect and professionalism.
APA President: Workplace Violence Is a Constitutional Violation
In his keynote address, Counselor Mohamed El-Shenawy stated unequivocally that workplace violence against women constitutes a grave violation of the law, a breach of public service ethics, and an assault on constitutional principles of equal opportunity.
“The Administrative Prosecution Authority, through its judicial mandate, will continue to protect women—whether as public employees or as citizens receiving government services,” he said, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to justice, accountability, and dignity in public administration.
Honoring Champions of Justice
The event concluded with the APA honoring Mona Zulficar for her longstanding contributions to legal reform and women’s rights, alongside members of the Women’s Affairs Unit and Administrative Prosecution counselors who led landmark investigations into violence against women.
