The National Council for Women participated in the annual Ramadan iftar organized by Education for Employment (EFE) – Egypt, held under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Strategic Programs in Technical and Vocational Education, Training, and Sustainable Employment Opportunities.”

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and several civil society organizations, highlighting the importance of partnerships in expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening pathways to sustainable employment.

Emphasizing the Role of Women and Youth in Development

During the event, Nesreen El-Baghdady delivered remarks expressing her appreciation for participating in the gathering, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan and coincided with March celebrations recognizing women, including International Women’s Day and Egyptian Women’s Day.

El-Baghdady noted that these occasions reflect the significant role Egyptian women play in the country’s development and nation-building efforts.

She also praised the efforts of Education for Employment – Egypt in equipping young people with the skills needed to bridge the gap between education outcomes and labor market demands. Through its training programs, the organization provides practical opportunities for youth to acquire the competencies required for sustainable and decent employment.

Investing in Youth as a Pillar of Sustainable Development

El-Baghdady emphasized that investing in people—especially young people—remains a cornerstone of sustainable development under Egypt Vision 2030.

She highlighted that the Egyptian government, under the leadership of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has placed women’s and youth empowerment at the center of its national strategy. This includes large-scale initiatives focused on skills development, professional training, and expanding access to decent employment opportunities.

According to El-Baghdady, Egypt has made notable progress in supporting young men and women, particularly in fields such as technology and digital transformation—areas considered critical to the future of the global economy.

Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship

El-Baghdady explained that emerging topics such as artificial intelligence and technical education align closely with the council’s efforts to enhance women’s participation in future-oriented sectors.

She highlighted the council’s growing focus on entrepreneurship as a key pathway to women’s economic empowerment. Through the Women Skills Development Center, the council offers training programs, workshops, and production units as part of the national Egyptian Family Development Project, aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting micro and small enterprises for women across Egypt’s governorates.

The council has also established a dedicated committee for small enterprises and entrepreneurship chaired by former Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea, to help develop policies and coordinate efforts that expand women’s participation in freelance and entrepreneurial work.

In addition, the council includes a youth committee chaired by Ohoud Wafi, which aims to integrate youth perspectives, strengthen their capacities, and encourage their participation in entrepreneurship initiatives.

Supporting Technical Education for Young Women

El-Baghdady reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting technical and vocational education among young women and encouraging them to pursue this pathway as a major driver of economic empowerment.

She pointed to the council’s experience with the Hiya Leads Program, implemented in cooperation with Leaders Foundation, which aims to prepare female students in technical education to become future entrepreneurs across Egypt.

The council continues to implement numerous initiatives designed to build professional skills for women and girls, enabling them to enter the workforce or launch their own businesses in line with the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030.

Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive Growth

El-Baghdady also highlighted that the council includes a specialized committee for scientific research, technology, and cybersecurity chaired by Marian Azar, as well as an education committee chaired by Dalia Ibrahim. These committees support the council’s broader mission to expand women’s participation in knowledge, innovation, and educational policymaking.

Concluding her remarks, El-Baghdady stressed that investing in young men and women is a national priority for ensuring a strong, sustainable, and inclusive economy.

She also reaffirmed the National Council for Women’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations, the private sector, and international institutions to provide specialized training programs, support entrepreneurship, and expand technology-driven economic empowerment opportunities.

El-Baghdady closed by thanking Education for Employment – Egypt for the invitation and expressed hope for continued collaboration aimed at empowering youth and expanding economic opportunities for women across Egypt.