The Embassy of Canada in Egypt celebrated International Women’s Day with a Ramadan iftar gathering Tuesday evening in Cairo, bringing together public figures, media personalities and civil society leaders to recognize women who are driving meaningful change across Egyptian society.
Among the distinguished attendees were Egyptian TV presenter Ramy Radwan, parliament member Emad El-Din Hussein, prominent journalist Akram El Kassas, and novelist and academic Mai Al-Telmessani.
The event, hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Cairo, highlighted the role of women in shaping communities and advancing social progress. The evening also featured the recognition of several “champions of change,” women whose work has made a tangible impact in fields ranging from humanitarian relief to education and social empowerment.
Global Progress and Shared Responsibility
In remarks during the celebration, Ulric Shannon emphasized the historical significance of International Women’s Day, which has been observed since 1911.
“Since its establishment, International Women’s Day has been both a celebration and an opportunity to highlight the achievements women have made and the progress still needed,” Shannon said. “It reminds us of our shared responsibility to move forward toward gender equality.”
The ambassador added that for more than a century, women around the world have demonstrated their ability to succeed and lead when given the necessary support and opportunities.
Sara Aziz: A Leading Voice for Women and Children in Egypt
A central highlight of the evening was the recognition of Sara Aziz, a social entrepreneur and founder of the Safe Egypt initiative.
Aziz has become a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and child protection in Egypt through programs that focus on education, safety awareness and community engagement. Her initiative works to provide resources and training aimed at strengthening the role of women and safeguarding children across communities.
Through Safe Egypt, Aziz has helped launch initiatives that encourage education, promote safe environments for women and children, and build support networks that allow families and communities to thrive.
Her recognition at the Canadian Embassy event underscores the growing international attention on grassroots efforts that empower women at the local level while addressing broader social challenges.
Recognizing Humanitarian Leadership
Also honored during the ceremony was Amal Imam, the executive director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, for her leadership in humanitarian and relief efforts.
The tribute to Imam highlighted the vital role of humanitarian organizations in supporting vulnerable communities, particularly during times of crisis.
A Celebration of Women’s Impact
The Ramadan iftar celebration blended diplomacy, culture and social advocacy, reflecting the shared commitment of Canada and Egypt to supporting women’s leadership and participation in society.
As the evening concluded, participants emphasized that empowering women is not only a matter of recognition but also a long-term commitment—one that requires collaboration between governments, civil society and community leaders.
