To further promote inclusion and empowerment, Egypt’s Noura Program, part of the national initiative for the investment in girls and supported by Egypt’s First Lady Intisar El-Sisi, has announced the inclusion of girls with disabilities for the first time. This milestone comes as part of the country’s broader efforts under the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family, signaling a significant step in breaking barriers for one of the country’s most marginalized groups.
Noura, which has traditionally focused on empowering young girls across Egypt, is now expanding its scope to ensure that girls with disabilities are also provided with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities for development. This move aligns with the government’s overarching strategy to create a more inclusive society, where all women and girls, regardless of their physical abilities, can achieve their full potential.
“This decision is not just about empowerment; it’s about equality and creating a future where every girl has a place,” said Aml Ammar, President of the National Council for Women. “The Noura Program is committed to dismantling the barriers that have historically held back girls with disabilities and ensuring they are seen, heard, and included.”
Disability Awareness and Inclusion
The decision to incorporate girls with disabilities into the Noura Program reflects a growing national commitment to disability inclusion. As part of the initiative, the National Council for Women has developed a specialized operational guide aimed at the program’s facilitators. This guide focuses on educating trainers about the various types of disabilities, understanding their unique needs, and, most importantly, challenging stereotypes associated with disability.
The guide encourages facilitators to develop effective communication skills and adopt the appropriate language when interacting with disabled girls. It also emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment that supports the independence of girls with disabilities and ensures their active participation in all areas of life, including work, education, and daily activities.
“This guide is more than just a resource—it’s a tool for cultural transformation,” said Sherine Maher, Program Coordinator at the National Program for Girls Empowerment. “It’s about changing the way society views disability and enabling people to interact with dignity, respect, and equality.”
Promoting Equal Rights and Participation
The operational guide also focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities under Egyptian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In doing so, it highlights the importance of respectful language when discussing disability, ensuring that girls with disabilities are viewed as empowered individuals, rather than as objects of sympathy or pity.
The new initiative is a crucial part of Egypt’s national commitment to gender equality and disability rights, both of which have been prominently featured in the government’s long-term development strategy. By providing girls with disabilities the resources to succeed and participate fully in society, Egypt is taking a significant step toward fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity.
Breaking the Stigma and Empowering Future Generations
The inclusion of girls with disabilities in the Noura Program sends a powerful message to society: disability is not a barrier to success, and every girl has the right to dream, learn, and achieve. This move is seen as a game-changer by disability advocates who have long called for more inclusive policies and programs that address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities.
