Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially launched the first phase of the national initiative “She (HIYA): Awareness. Protection. Development.” — a multi-sectoral campaign designed to empower girls and young women across the country.
Unveiled by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, during a press conference at the Youth Innovation and Learning Center in Gezira, the initiative will target Girls and Women Clubs in youth centers nationwide. The event brought together prominent women leaders, public figures, members of parliament, media professionals, and civil society advocates.
Youth-Centered Gender Empowerment
Dr. Sobhy underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the role of Egyptian girls in public life: “We believe that empowering the Egyptian girl is empowering the nation itself,” he stated.
“This initiative represents a new dawn of awareness, protection, and capability-building. Our goal is to provide safe, supportive environments where young women can realize their full potential.”
Through this initiative, the ministry aims to strengthen girls’ participation across various spheres—mental and physical health, economic resilience, civic awareness, and political inclusion—while addressing social vulnerabilities that hinder sustainable development.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration and National Alignment
“She” (HIYA) is launched by the Central Administration for Youth Development (Volunteering and Scouting Programs Department), in cooperation with Tahya Misr Student Union, and with anticipated support from key national entities such as: the National Council for Women, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, parliamentary bodies, and a wide spectrum of civil society organizations
High-Level Participation
The launch event featured a high-impact panel discussion titled “She: The Voice of Awareness and the Promise of a Safer Future,” moderated by journalist Amal Nouman. Speakers and panelists included:
- Dr. Sahar El-Sonbaty, Head of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood – on mental and physical health awareness
- MP Dr. Dina Helaly, Senator – on the family’s role in sustainability and girl support
- Dr. Hend El-Helaly, Director of the Anti-Violence Unit at Ain Shams University – on gender-based violence prevention
- MP Walaa El-Tamamy, Parliament Member – on economic empowerment as a means of protection
- MP Amira El-Adly, representing the Coordination Committee of Party Youth Leaders and Politicians – on civic and political engagement of girls
A Future-Building Platform for Egyptian Girls
Concluding his remarks, Minister Sobhy reiterated the long-term vision of the initiative: “Social awareness is the most powerful form of protection. Through ‘She,’ we aim to instill awareness from an early age—so that it grows with every girl in Egypt, giving her the strength, safety, and will to shape her own future.”
