Under the patronage of Egypt’s First Lady, Intisar El-Sisi, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) hosted a landmark event titled “Together We Can” on May 23, 2025, as part of the transformative “My Family, My Strength” initiative. Held in the presence of ministers, public figures, and families of persons with disabilities, the celebration underscored Egypt’s commitment to fostering social justice and empowering its disabled citizens. This event, rooted in the National Project for Egyptian Family Development, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward an inclusive, barrier-free society.
First Lady’s Support Illuminates National Prioritization
The presence and patronage of First Lady Entissar El-Sisi were met with deep appreciation and symbolic resonance. Dr. Iman Kareem, General Supervisor of the NCPD, extended her “sincere gratitude” to the First Lady, highlighting her “gracious sponsorship and consistent dedication to disability-related causes.” Dr. Kareem emphasized that under President El-Sisi’s leadership, persons with disabilities have “finally felt true social justice and genuine investment in their potential.”
A Family-Centric Vision for Empowerment
The event was framed around the national initiative “My Family, My Strength”, launched by the NCPD in January 2023 as part of Egypt’s comprehensive Family Development Project. Running through 2026, the initiative champions the foundational role of the family unit in the lives of persons with disabilities. Through awareness campaigns, training programs, and community-based interventions, the program has reached over 5,000 families across 16 governorates, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to foster inclusive environments at home and in society.
“Family,” Dr. Kareem declared, “is not just a support system—it is the source of power that allows individuals to thrive. It is my family that gave me the strength to stand here today.” The initiative promotes a message that transcends policy: that lasting empowerment begins at home.
Celebrating Resilience: Recognizing Families Who Lead by Example
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was the honoring of exemplary Egyptian families who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the empowerment of their children with disabilities. In recognizing their resilience, the First Lady reinforced the state’s belief that “the family is the first line of inclusion” and that investing in its strength is “a path to a more equitable and inclusive society.”
A documentary screened during the event showcased Egypt’s multifaceted efforts in this area, including reforms, policies, and on-the-ground programs driven by the NCPD—an independent national mechanism dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
National Strategy, Local Impact
Dr. Kareem outlined the initiative’s phased implementation:
- Phase I (2023–2024) targeted 10 governorates, reaching 3,000 families.
- Phase II (Nov 2024 – Mar 2025) covered 6 additional governorates, supporting 2,000 families.
Families received tailored training in psychological support, legal rights, access to government services, and inclusive education practices. Coordination with ministries such as Health, Education, and Social Solidarity ensured an integrated delivery model.
Dr. Kareem stressed that the initiative’s mechanisms include field surveys, feedback forms, expert forums, and collaborations with civil society and national councils. “This is not a fragmented effort—it is a holistic national pathway toward a just, inclusive future,” she said.
NCPD at the Forefront: Programs and Strategic Alliances
Since its establishment, the NCPD has played a central role in shaping Egypt’s disability rights landscape. The Council has launched over a dozen major initiatives, including:
- “Your Voice, Your Right” – facilitating accessible voting for the first time in Egypt.
- “Discover Me” – promoting the early inclusion of children with disabilities.
- “Our Health, Our Sport” – supporting Paralympic athletes.
- “Heritage in Our Hands” – promoting economic inclusion through traditional crafts.
- “My Services in My Governorate” – decentralizing access to services.
- “Toward Sustainable Cities” – advocating for disability-friendly urban infrastructure.
The Council also plays an active role in the formulation of national strategies, including Egypt’s National Human Rights Strategy, the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women, the 2050 Climate Strategy, and the upcoming 2025–2030 National Disability Strategy.
Measurable Progress: Training, Awareness, and Inclusion
To date, the NCPD has conducted:
- 85+ workshops for 3,400 service providers.
- 100+ awareness seminars on financial inclusion, reaching over 10,000 persons with disabilities.
- 2,000+ exhibitions for products created by persons with disabilities to support economic integration.
Dr. Kareem concluded by underscoring the broader vision: “What Egypt is doing today is not a series of isolated efforts. It is a cohesive national mission—one that aims to build a just society, where no one is left behind and no potential goes to waste.”
As Egypt continues to reimagine its social fabric, initiatives like “My Family, My Strength” serve as beacons of progress, demonstrating that the journey toward inclusion begins with recognition, empowerment, and collective will—starting at the heart of every home.
Egypt’s Broader Vision for Inclusion
The event underscored Egypt’s broader commitment to disability rights, aligning with national strategies such as the National Human Rights Strategy, Women’s Empowerment Strategy, National Population and Development Strategy, and the National Climate Change Strategy 2050. The NCPD is preparing to launch the National Disability Strategy 2025–2030, further solidifying Egypt’s leadership.
