In a new milestone for women’s protection services across Egypt, the National Council for Women (NCW) and UNFPA Egypt inaugurated a Safe Women Unit on Tuesday at Menoufia University Hospitals — becoming the 21st unit of its kind nationwide. The opening marks another step in a joint initiative designed to expand integrated support for women facing violence.
The ceremony brought together senior officials and representatives from both institutions, including Justice Marwa Hesham Barakat, member of the NCW; Dr. Ahmed Farag Al-Qassad, President of Menoufia University; Yves Sansaerat, UNFPA Representative in Egypt; Dr. Mohamed Al-Numani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; and several leading experts in forensic medicine, community development, and anti-violence programs.
Speaking on behalf of NCW President Justice Amal Ammar, Justice Barakat expressed pride in the governorate’s long-standing role in community development.
University Leaders Stress Role of Youth and Female Leadership
Menoufia University President Dr. Al-Qassad celebrated the launch, noting that the campus hosts “exceptional female leaders and a high proportion of outstanding young women, particularly in the Faculty of Medicine.”
He encouraged students to take part in volunteer work and awareness initiatives to strengthen their communities.
UNFPA: A Model of Integrated Services for Women
UNFPA’s Yves Sansaerat commended Egypt’s national efforts to combat gender-based violence, stating that Safe Women Units represent “a pioneering Egyptian model providing integrated services under one roof.”
He emphasized UNFPA’s commitment to supporting women’s psychological and reproductive health, also praising NCW’s leadership in the National Committee to End Female Genital Mutilation.
A Turning Point in Holistic Women’s Support
Dr. Al-Numani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, described the opening as a “pivotal moment for empowering Egyptian women.”
He underscored that university hospitals serve not only as centers of treatment but also as hubs for social, psychological, and legal support — delivered with full confidentiality and respect for every woman’s dignity.
A National Network for Comprehensive Women’s Protection
Safe Women Units operate within a national system designed to provide medical care, psychological support, legal guidance, and continuous follow-up, all through specialized teams trained to ensure privacy and comprehensive assistance.
