The Egyptian Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of Minister Dr. Yasmin Fouad, has made notable progress in advancing gender equality within the environmental sector, as highlighted in a recent report. The ministry has focused on empowering women both within its ranks and throughout the broader environmental landscape.
Women in Leadership Roles in Ministry
One of the standout achievements outlined in the report is the significant increase in female representation within the ministry’s leadership. According to recent data from February 2025, women now occupy 50.4% of the leadership positions across the ministry. This milestone is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, particularly within sectors traditionally dominated by men. The ministry has made a concerted effort to increase women’s participation in high-level decision-making roles, setting an example for other government entities.
“Achieving this level of female leadership is an ideal benchmark,” said Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Minister of Environment, reflecting on the ministry’s success in gender parity. “It reflects the broader goals of the Egyptian government, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to empower women across all sectors.”
Expanding Women’s Roles in Environmental Sustainability
Beyond leadership roles, the ministry has also worked to foster women’s active participation in various environmental initiatives. Key efforts include targeted capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening the skills of women working within the ministry’s two core agencies—the Environmental Affairs Agency and the Waste Management Organization. As part of an ongoing initiative, the ministry plans to train 179 women between March 2024 and March 2025, equipping them with the tools needed to take on more substantial roles in the environmental sector.
These efforts are supported through collaborations with global organizations like UN Women and UNICEF, which have helped fund and organize training programs aimed at advancing women’s participation in sustainable development practices.
Collaborations with Civil Society to Foster Female Leadership in Environmental Projects
The ministry has also worked to build alliances with various civil society organizations to expand the role of women in environmental projects. Notably, it has signed memorandums of understanding with organizations such as the Al-Wafaq Foundation for integrated environmental development and the Green Foundation for sustainable development. These partnerships are designed to enhance women’s involvement in rural and marginalized communities, particularly in environmental education, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
By increasing collaboration with NGOs, the ministry is helping to ensure that women across Egypt can actively participate in environmentally conscious projects and initiatives.
Public Engagement: Workshops, Festivals, and Community Awareness Initiatives
The Women’s Unit has also been pivotal in engaging the wider public in environmental issues. The ministry has hosted 357 awareness seminars and 12 workshops that focus on key environmental topics such as sustainable waste management, economic empowerment for women through green jobs, and plastic waste reduction. These initiatives have reached over 9,000 participants, from community members to students, across Egypt.
The ministry has also organized two major environmental festivals, which provided opportunities for public participation in hands-on activities, from planting trees to recycling. Additionally, educational sessions on Egypt’s natural reserves, biodiversity, and safe waste disposal helped deepen the public’s understanding of environmental issues.
Sustainability Through Grassroots Efforts
Further bolstering these initiatives, the ministry has distributed tree seedlings to several NGOs, fostering local involvement in reforestation and environmental preservation efforts. These grassroots activities reflect a broader strategy to cultivate environmental sustainability at the community level, promoting long-term ecological awareness and action.
A Step Toward a Greener, More Equal Future
The Ministry of Environment’s strategic efforts to empower women and integrate gender equality into its operations are significant steps toward achieving both sustainable development and social equity. By creating opportunities for women to lead in environmental policy and supporting their engagement in local sustainability projects, the ministry is making substantial contributions to Egypt’s long-term environmental goals.
As the ministry continues to enhance its gender equality efforts, it sets a model for other sectors to follow, proving that a more inclusive, equitable approach to environmental protection is both possible and necessary for the future of Egypt.
