Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity highlighted its national efforts to protect women from violence and promote their economic empowerment during a high-level knowledge exchange visit to Spain, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening integrated protection systems and expanding international cooperation.
The visit, hosted in Madrid in collaboration with the World Bank, brought together a high-level Egyptian delegation to exchange expertise on national systems for responding to violence against women and improving institutional protection mechanisms.
High-Level Egyptian Delegation
The Egyptian delegation was headed by Dr. Nesreen El Baghdady, Vice President of the National Council for Women, and included senior representatives from key national institutions.
Representing the Ministry of Social Solidarity was Rania Ezzat, Head of the Central Administration of the Minister’s Office and General Supervisor of the Integrated Unit for Women’s Protection Services Against Violence.
The delegation also included:
- Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, President of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood
- Representatives from the Ministry of Justice
- Representatives from the Ministry of Interior
- Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population
- The Public Prosecutor’s Office
- The National Council for Women
Egypt’s Integrated Protection System
During the discussions, Rania Ezzat presented the Ministry’s comprehensive approach to protecting women from violence while strengthening their economic independence.
She explained that the Ministry implements an integrated package of policies, programs, and services designed to:
- Protect women from all forms of violence
- Promote economic and social empowerment
- Provide comprehensive support for survivors
- Advance social justice and gender equality
- Strengthen coordination among national institutions
The Ministry’s approach combines protection services with long-term economic empowerment to help women rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.
Economic Empowerment Through Multi-Agency Cooperation
A key focus of the presentation was Egypt’s strategic financial ecosystem for women’s economic empowerment.
The initiative brings together 34 government and institutional partners to provide integrated support that combines:
- Social assistance
- Financial services
- Non-financial business support
- Vocational training
- Employment opportunities
- Small business development
The framework is designed to improve economic resilience among vulnerable families while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women.
Protection and Shelter Services
The Ministry also highlighted its nationwide network of 12 Women’s Hosting and Guidance Centers operating across 11 governorates.
These centers provide survivors of violence and their children with:
- Safe accommodation
- Psychological counseling
- Social support
- Legal assistance
- Rehabilitation services
- Community reintegration support
The integrated model aims to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.
The Mawadda Program
Officials also presented the Mawadda Program, one of Egypt’s flagship family support initiatives.
The program prepares young men and women for marriage by providing practical knowledge and life skills that promote:
- Healthy family relationships
- Mutual respect
- Shared responsibility
- Constructive communication
- Family stability
The initiative supports broader national efforts to prevent domestic violence through education and awareness.
Community Awareness Through Social Workers
The Ministry emphasized the important role of Egypt’s social pioneers (Raedat Rifyat) in raising public awareness at the community level.
These outreach workers help:
- Promote positive social values
- Correct harmful misconceptions
- Strengthen family cohesion
- Raise awareness of women’s rights
- Support violence prevention initiatives
Their work contributes to building safer and more informed communities across Egypt.
Learning from International Best Practices
The visit included technical meetings, field visits, and specialized sessions examining Spain’s experience in preventing violence against women.
Delegates explored best practices in:
- Prevention strategies
- Justice and law enforcement responses
- Institutional coordination
- Integrated service delivery
- Survivor support systems
The Egyptian delegation also participated in a high-level workshop in Barcelona, where participants exchanged experiences on national response systems and discussed ways to develop more coordinated and sustainable protection mechanisms.
The visit concluded with both Egypt and Spain reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation, strengthening knowledge exchange, and promoting effective policies that enhance the protection, empowerment, and wellbeing of women.
