Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) President, Aml Ammar, presided over the closing ceremony of the “Opportunities for Women in Agri-business Project” (OWAP). The event highlighted Egypt’s growing momentum in promoting gender equality and inclusive economic development—particularly in the agricultural manufacturing sector across Beni Suef and Minya governorates.
The event was held in the presence of Ulric Shannon, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt, Mai Mahmoud, Director General of the Women’s Skills Development Department at NCW, Belal Habash, Deputy Governor of Beni Suef, and senior representatives from the Egyptian Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Social Solidarity, and Canada’s development partner Alinea International.
Strategic Win for Egypt’s 2030 Vision
In her keynote address, Justice Ammar emphasized the strategic importance of OWAP in supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030.
“This project reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empowering Egyptian women economically—especially in agri-business—a critical sector for rural development and national productivity,” Ammar said.
She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of government bodies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders that contributed to the success of OWAP. Special recognition was extended to Dr. Nevine Gamea, member of NCW and former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Engy El-Yamani, Executive Director of the Rural Industries Support Fund.
Gender Equality Stamp: A Game-Changer for Private Sector Inclusion
A key achievement of the project was the rollout of the Egyptian Gender Equality Seal (EGES), a unique national certification model promoting fair workplace policies and gender inclusivity.
Over the past four years, the NCW has engaged 12 private sector companies in the food and agricultural manufacturing sectors. As a result:
- 6 companies were evaluated for certification,
- 2 companies — Mazaree and PlantForm — received full EGES accreditation.
- The Chamber of Food Industries, representing over 27,000 companies, became the first industrial chamber to receive the EGES, demonstrating its commitment to institutionalizing gender equality in Egypt’s food production sector.
The certification has prompted many firms to adopt concrete policies, such as anti-harassment guidelines, work-life balance practices, and enhanced representation of women in leadership roles.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Cooperatives
Beyond policy reform, OWAP had tangible grassroots impact. Hundreds of women-led cooperatives and start-ups in Minya and Beni Suef benefited from:
- Specialized training in agricultural manufacturing, business administration, and financial literacy.
- Integration with the national anti-irregular migration program, allowing access to seed funding and essential equipment for launching or scaling businesses.
Three standout projects, including Thamra Cooperative, secured significant financial and equipment-based support. These efforts culminated in the launch of a permanent agri-product exhibition in Beni Suef, attended by a high-level Canadian delegation and supported by the governorate.
A Model of Integrated Development
Justice Ammar highlighted that the success of OWAP lies in its integrated approach, combining:
- National policy alignment,
- International development cooperation,
- Private sector engagement,
- And grassroots implementation.
“The Egyptian Gender Equality Seal, coupled with our economic empowerment initiatives, sets a precedent for public-private partnership models that place women at the heart of sustainable development,” she remarked.
Honoring the Champions of Change
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of leading private companies, cooperatives, and women entrepreneurs who demonstrated excellence in promoting gender equality. The event also included a walk-through exhibition showcasing a variety of women-led products, from honey and grains to animal feed, all produced under strict food safety protocols.
Justice Ammar expressed her admiration for the innovation and quality of the showcased goods, reaffirming that the future of Egypt’s rural economy is increasingly female-led.
The “Opportunities for Women in Agri-business Project” is a joint initiative between the Government of Egypt and Global Affairs Canada, implemented through Alinea International, under Presidential Decree No. 263 of 2021.
