In a celebration of Africa Day, Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) hosted a seminal symposium titled “African Women: Building Bridges from Cairo to the Cape” on Monday, May 26, 2025. The event, held to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU) on May 25, 1963, celebrating its 62nd anniversary, with a particular focus on advancing the cause of African women.
The symposium, attended by a distinguished array of dignitaries, was led by Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the NCW, alongside Dr. Nesreen Al-Baghdadi, Vice President of the NCW, and Amb. Wafa Bassim, a council member. Notable attendees included Dr. Hala El-Said, former Minister of Planning and current Advisor to the President for Economic Development, Najla Abdel Salam, spouse of Egypt’s Foreign Minister, and Mariam F. Kobby, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Liberian Embassy in Cairo. Other prominent figures included Major General Manal Atef, Assistant Minister of Interior for Human Rights, Dr. Eman Karim, President of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Ambassador Ehab Awad, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, Dr. Amani Sharif, President of the Pan-African University Council, and Ambassador Mohammadou Lebrang of Cameroon, alongside representatives from UN Women and several African ambassadors’ spouses. It also prbrought together The symposium, attended by NCW members including Dr. Amani Asfour, Dr. Essam El-Adawy, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Eng. Sarah El-Battouty, Zeina Tawkal, Mirvat Abu Auf, and Ambassador Mona Omar, alongside public figures and foreign dignitaries.
The event also featured pre-recorded messages from Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptians Abroad, and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, reinforcing Egypt’s high-level commitment to the symposium’s objectives.
Vision for Unity and Empowerment
Counselor Amal Ammar opened the symposium by warmly welcoming attendees and emphasizing the significance of Africa Day as a tribute to the African Union’s legacy of unity, solidarity, and hope for a shared prosperous future. She highlighted the NCW’s mission to strengthen ties with African nations, spotlighting shared challenges and opportunities, particularly in the realm of women’s empowerment. “This symposium serves as a platform to exchange visions and successful experiences, reflecting the NCW’s regional role in championing African women’s issues and fostering dialogue among female leaders and policymakers,” Ammar stated.
Ammar underscored the resilience of African women, describing them as the backbone of their societies. “Throughout history, African women have proven their ability to contribute even in the most challenging circumstances,” she said. “They stand at the forefront during conflicts, drive economies through crises, and rebuild nations in the aftermath of strife.” She noted the remarkable growth in women’s participation in public life, from grassroots community work to economic entrepreneurship and high-level leadership roles, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa driven by its citizens, particularly women and youth.
Egypt’s Leadership in Advancing African Women’s Rights
Ammar highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting African women, rooted in its deep historical and cultural ties to the continent. During Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union in 2019, women’s empowerment was prioritized as a cornerstone of regional cooperation. This commitment manifested in initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation in inclusive development, political decision-making, and socioeconomic progress.
A landmark achievement was Egypt’s launch of the African Women and Climate Change Adaptation Initiative during the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh. Developed in collaboration with UN Women and endorsed by several African nations, the initiative followed months of consultations to promote a just environmental transition for women, ensuring a sustainable future for all. Ammar emphasized that this initiative exemplifies Egypt’s dedication to addressing the intersection of gender equality and climate resilience.
Quoting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi from his 2019 address at the Aswan Forum for Peace and Development, Ammar reiterated Egypt’s stance: “Our vision for Africa cannot be realized without granting women and youth their rightful place. Empowering women and integrating youth must translate into actionable policies to overcome challenges and achieve our collective aspirations.” She described these words as a clear reflection of Egypt’s belief that women are not merely half of society but a driving force for progress and renaissance across the continent.
Capacity Building … Cornerstone of Empowerment
Ammar highlighted the NCW’s tangible contributions, including training programs for African women leaders and participation in international conferences to share best practices. A notable example is Egypt’s hosting of the African Women’s Forum, which served as a pioneering platform for regional dialogue and produced actionable recommendations to enhance women’s roles in decision-making. Additionally, the NCW has provided training grants for women from various African countries, reinforcing capacity building as a cornerstone of empowerment.
The council continues to represent Egypt in African Union-affiliated women’s committees, advocating for the rights of Egyptian and African women and fostering unified visions for a brighter, more equitable future.
Role of African Women in Peace Building
In her closing remarks, Ammar framed the Africa Day celebration as more than a commemoration—it is a renewed commitment to collective action. “Today, we honor the pivotal role of African women in building peace, driving development, and shaping policies that empower future generations,” she said. Expressing gratitude to African women making a difference in their communities, she concluded with a resounding call: “Long live Africa, long live African women, and long live Egypt.”
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