In a celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and education, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, took center stage at the SHE Can 2025 conference held by the School of Continuing Education (SCE) at the American University in Cairo (AUC). The event, which brought together more than 120 female entrepreneurs from across Egypt, served as the culminating milestone of a transformative training program in entrepreneurship and ICT.
The annual conference—now a staple of Egypt’s gender equity and innovation calendar—spotlights the achievements of women entrepreneurs from Cairo, Alexandria, Tanta, and the Red Sea Governorate who completed AUC’s intensive SHE Can scholarship program.
“A Golden Era for Egyptian Women”
Speaking during the opening plenary, Minister Awad declared that Egypt’s women are living a golden age under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, whose administration has prioritized gender equity through national strategies and institutional reforms.
“The Egyptian woman is no longer waiting to be empowered. She is actively reshaping society. From the presidential declaration of 2017 as the ‘Year of Egyptian Women’ to the nationwide implementation of the Women Empowerment Strategy 2030, we are witnessing a historical transformation,” Dr. Awad stated.
From Villages to Venture Capital: Local Empowerment in Action
Dr. Awad emphasized the ministry’s role in extending inclusive development to women in rural and underserved communities, offering tailored support through initiatives such as:
- The Local Development Fund, enabling rural women to establish micro and small enterprises.
- The “Mashro3ak” Program, which has financed thousands of female-led projects across Egypt, particularly in Upper Egypt and the Delta.
- “Ayadi Misr”, a digital platform that markets and preserves Egypt’s artisanal heritage, empowering women through cultural entrepreneurship.
“By equipping women with the tools to launch sustainable businesses, we’re not just fostering independence—we’re preserving culture, generating income, and building a resilient grassroots economy,” Awad noted.
A Political, Economic, and Social Force
Beyond economic inclusion, the Ministry of Local Development has spearheaded training and political empowerment programs, preparing women to assume leadership roles in local government, including as governors, deputy governors, municipal heads, and village council leaders.
“Women must have a seat at the decision-making table—whether as entrepreneurs, civil servants, or elected officials,” Awad asserted. “There can be no sustainable development without the full and active participation of women.”
A Platform for Leadership, Learning, and Lifelong Support
Dr. Mahmoud Alam, Dean of AUC’s School of Continuing Education, lauded Minister Awad’s efforts, describing her as “a national champion of gender equity and grassroots development.” He also highlighted the significance of 2025 as the school celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of inclusive, lifelong learning across Egypt.
“Education doesn’t end with graduation. Neither does empowerment. SHE Can is more than a program—it’s a sustained network of mentorship, exposure, and market integration for every woman who joins us,” Alam said.
Since its inception over four years ago, the SHE Can program has equipped hundreds of Egyptian women with the practical skills, digital tools, and confidence to launch enterprises and create lasting impact in their communities.
A Call to Action: “Seize the Moment”
In closing, Dr. Awad delivered an impassioned message to the women in attendance:
“The journey begins with a single step. I urge you to seize the opportunities before you, to persist, to lead, and to know that success belongs to those who rise to meet it.”
As Egypt’s public and private sectors continue to coalesce around the vision of an inclusive, innovative economy, the SHE Can 2025 conference underscores a growing consensus: investing in women is not only right—it is strategic.
