During a ceremonial event on “Egyptian Women and the Ideal Mother,” attended by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and a host of prominent government officials , Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, delivered a speech detailing the government’s initiatives to empower Egyptian women and improve their lives.
In her speech, Dr. Morsy focused on the major efforts made over the past decade to empower women, particularly through the Takaful and Karama social protection program. She highlighted the extensive reach of the program and other initiatives aimed at uplifting the status of Egyptian women.
Key Achievements in Empowering Women:
- 7.7 Million Families Benefited from Takaful and Karama: Dr. Morsy outlined that over the past decade, the Takaful and Karama program has benefitted 7.7 million families, with more than 75% of the beneficiaries being women. The program, which was launched ten years ago, has become a cornerstone of Egypt’s efforts to support vulnerable communities, even amidst challenging regional and global circumstances.
- Annual Support for Single Mothers: The Ministry of Social Solidarity has allocated 5.2 billion Egyptian pounds annually to provide financial assistance to 673,000 single mothers. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support the economic empowerment of women and ensure they are able to meet their families’ needs.
- Child Support and Family Welfare: The government has also invested around 7.8 billion Egyptian pounds annually through the Nasser Social Bank’s family support fund, which helps cover alimony payments for approximately 409,000 women. These funds are crucial in ensuring that women receive their rightful financial support and contribute to the well-being of their families.
- Creation of Financial System for Economic Empowerment: Dr. Morsy proudly announced the establishment of Egypt’s first-ever financial system aimed at economic empowerment, with an allocation of 10 billion Egyptian pounds. This initiative, part of the broader social protection package announced by President El-Sisi, is designed to offer financial services across various governorates, with the goal of supporting families and encouraging production. This system will also serve as the primary driver for cash assistance programs.
A Decade of Impact:
Reflecting on the ten-year journey of the Takaful and Karama program, Dr. Morsy noted its profound impact on building a more cohesive and compassionate society. Despite facing global economic challenges and regional crises, the program has stood strong, helping millions of families break free from the cycle of poverty.
Furthermore, the Minister mentioned Egypt’s recent discussions on the new social protection law, which will transition cash assistance into a legislated right. This law is expected to institutionalize and sustain financial support for vulnerable communities.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment:
Dr. Morsy also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower women economically. Over the past decade, more than one million women have been financed to establish their own projects, with a total investment of four billion Egyptian pounds. Additionally, the creation of a 10-billion-pound financial system aims to provide greater financial access to women, promoting economic independence and social participation.
Acknowledging the Role of Women in Humanitarian Work:
Dr. Morsy emphasized that Egyptian women have always played an integral role in society, from building civilizations to providing support during crises. She cited the pivotal role of the Egyptian Red Crescent, which boasts 35,000 volunteers, 60% of whom are women, and operates with a female executive leader for the first time. The Red Crescent’s humanitarian efforts extend beyond Egypt, reaching several neighboring countries, providing critical support to women and children in need.
A Strong Legacy of Compassion:
In her closing remarks, Dr. Morsy paid tribute to the resilience and strength of Egyptian women, expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the country. She praised the efforts of the government, headed by President El-Sisi, in ensuring that women have the resources and support they need to thrive.
She concluded by affirming that every mother in Egypt has a stake in the country’s future, stating, “You, President El-Sisi, have the heartfelt prayers of every Egyptian mother who feels safe and secure in her home, knowing that the country is steadfast and secure amidst the storms of regional conflicts.”
This statement reflects the profound connection between Egyptian mothers and the nation’s leadership, highlighting the collective spirit of hope and progress that drives the country forward.
