As the world celebrates World Population Day this month under the theme, “Empowering Youth to Build the Families They Want in a World of Justice and Hope,” Egypt’s National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is placing human capital and inclusive development at the heart of its national agenda.
Dr. Eman Kareem, the Council’s General Supervisor, issued a strong call to action, urging all nations to adopt policies that eliminate discrimination—particularly in access to reproductive health services, family planning, and related information—regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, or social status.
“The human element remains the cornerstone of any nation’s development,” Dr. Kareem stated. “Sustainable growth is impossible without empowering people, respecting diversity, and ensuring equitable access to essential services.”
“My Family, My Strength”: A National Initiative for Inclusive Awareness
To advance this vision, the Council has launched the “My Family, My Strength” initiative, under the patronage of First Lady Entissar El Sisi, as part of Egypt’s National Family Development Project and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s 2022 human development initiative “New Beginning.”
The campaign prioritizes family-based education and awareness, recognizing the household as the fundamental unit of social development and cultural change. According to Dr. Kareem, the initiative is now a top strategic priority for the Council and incorporates a range of integrated policy pillars, including:
- Anti-discrimination education
- Promotion of acceptance and inclusion
- Reproductive health and sexual education
- Disability-specific nutritional guidance
- Equitable access to healthcare services
- Disability prevention through early awareness
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Population Council and the International Population Council, and aligns closely with Egypt’s Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the National Strategy for Human Rights, and the National Population Strategy.
Inclusive Family Planning: A Human Right
In her official statement, Dr. Kareem emphasized that all family planning and reproductive health services must be accessible, accurate, and ethically delivered, ensuring dignity and cultural sensitivity for all recipients. She called for thorough review of informational content to eliminate inaccuracies and to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary for informed reproductive decision-making.
She further noted that individuals must be active participants in decisions that affect their health and future—a principle fundamental to equity and development.
Global Significance and Local Action
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, was first recognized by the United Nations Development Programme in 1990 and is now marked in over 90 countries. The day serves as a platform to highlight critical demographic issues, from family planning to youth empowerment and inclusive policies.
