Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, participated in the 9th edition of the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival (AIWFF), held in Aswan. The event, which celebrates female voices and creativity, saw the participation of European Union Ambassador to Egypt, Angelina Eichhorst, Aswan Governor General Ismail Kamel, as well as diplomats, artists, and civil society organizations.
In her speech, Dr. Al-Mashat praised the festival for its unique role in amplifying women’s voices and celebrating artistic and cultural leadership. She noted that it is Egypt’s first film festival dedicated to highlighting women’s issues and honoring their success stories. She also emphasized the festival’s role in supporting female filmmakers in Egypt and across the Arab region.
Empowering Women Through Cinema and Education
Dr. Al-Mashat acknowledged the importance of the specialized training workshops organized by the festival, led by industry experts, which help open new opportunities for young people and equip them with the necessary skills for filmmaking. These initiatives contribute to enhancing Aswan’s role as a vibrant cultural hub that reflects Egypt’s identity.
Moreover, the Minister highlighted that the festival is a direct reflection of Egypt’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030. This national framework prioritizes the cultural, social, and economic empowerment of women. She specifically referenced Egypt’s National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment 2030, which focuses on four main pillars: political, economic, and social empowerment, as well as protection.
A Government Commitment to Gender Equality
Dr. Al-Mashat also touched on the National Human Rights Strategy, launched in 2021, which aims to promote equality and combat gender-based violence. She emphasized that, through its partnership with the United Nations, Egypt is working to improve women’s access to education, decent work, leadership roles, and protection from violence under the strategic cooperation framework for 2023–2027.
The Minister underscored significant strides in female empowerment, noting that women currently occupy 25% of seats in the Egyptian Parliament and hold four ministerial portfolios. She also mentioned initiatives like the “Gender Gap Closing Initiative,” in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, which brings together over 100 companies to economically empower women.
Government Support for Women’s Development
In her address, Dr. Al-Mashat outlined the government’s efforts in providing gender-sensitive development financing in sectors such as education, health, and small business development. She also highlighted various initiatives, including “Haya Karima”, “EU-Tamkeen”, and the Safe Work Environment for Women in Tourism project, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. These projects aim to provide safe and empowering environments for women in key industries such as tourism and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Al-Mashat concluded her remarks by emphasizing that storytelling is at the heart of cultural and societal change. She commended the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival for giving women the space to express themselves, foster creativity, and redefine leadership and artistic excellence.
Catalyzing Women’s Role in Development
As part of the festival’s activities, a delegation from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, along with representatives from the European Union and relevant stakeholders, visited key development projects in Aswan. These included the Kom Ombo Power Plant, the “Dowi” Youth Camp at Aswan Secondary School, the Drinking Water Management Program, and several small and micro-business projects funded by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) in collaboration with the French Development Agency.
Through these visits, the Ministry continues to promote sustainable development and women’s economic participation, aligning with Egypt’s broader goals of fostering inclusive growth and empowering women as central drivers of Egypt’s future.
