In a vibrant celebration of Egyptian Women’s Day, the Canadian Embassy in Egypt hosted a special event, marking a decade of its “Pioneers of Change” initiative. The event, attended by Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, and Canadian Ambassador Ulric Shannon, honored several women who have made significant contributions to Egyptian society.
The celebration, which also featured representatives from UN agencies, media figures, members of parliament, and public figures, showcased a Canadian documentary highlighting the voices of Arab-Canadian women.
During the ceremony, a significant moment was the recognition of the 2025 “Pioneers of Change.” Dr. Manal Awad and Ambassador Shannon presented awards to several distinguished women. Mai Mahmoud, Director General of Women’s Skills Development at the National Council for Women, was honored for her dedication to empowering women through skill-building. Sally Hassouna, the visionary founder of the “Impact” Academy, received recognition for her work in empowering girls in sports and her role as a boxing coach, highlighting the importance of physical activity and self-confidence. The Nawa Theater Group and the Shamandoura Music Band were also acknowledged for their impactful cultural contributions, having received support from a Canadian-funded project that focuses on cultural events aimed at raising awareness about combating violence against women and early marriage for girls.
The event underscored the strong partnership between Egypt and Canada in promoting gender equality and empowering women. The “Pioneers of Change” initiative has been instrumental in recognizing and supporting women who are driving positive change in their communities.
