In a powerful show of support for adolescent girls’ empowerment, National Council for Women (NCW) Chairperson, Amal Ammar, participated in a field visit to observe activities under the National Girls’ Empowerment Initiative “Dawwie” at Aswan Girls Secondary School and its associated preparatory classes. The visit falls within the framework of Egypt’s National Project for Family Development.
Counselor Ammar was joined by several key national and international figures, including Dr. Amani Asfour and Dr. Essam Adawy, both NCW members; Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt; Engineer Amr Lashin, Deputy Governor of Aswan; Ms. Natalia Winder-Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt; Ms. Marwa Al Alamein, UN Women Representative; Ms. Yasmin Zakaria, Director of Training at NCW; Ms. Sherine Maher, National Program Coordinator for Girls’ Empowerment at NCW; and Mr. Mohamed Badawy, Director of Education in Aswan Governorate.
Bridging the Digital Gender Gap Through Learning Circles
During the visit, attendees observed a range of dynamic activities, including Digital Learning Circles designed to close the gender digital divide. These sessions equip children—especially girls—with essential life skills such as critical thinking, negotiation, communication, self-awareness, and peer support. Participants also explored storytelling circles for knowledge exchange, with inclusive sessions designed specifically for girls with hearing impairments. A special “Intergenerational Dialogue” session facilitated conversations between youth and their parents or caregivers, strengthening cross-generational understanding around gender issues.
Girls Leading Dialogue and Shaping Policy
In a highlight of the visit, Counselor Ammar took part in a Policy Dialogue session led entirely by Dawwie youth participants. Girls and boys actively contributed recommendations and policy-linked ideas aimed at enhancing the rights and opportunities available to adolescent girls in Aswan. Responding to a question from one of Dawwie’s young ambassadors, Counselor Ammar emphasized:
“Women can lead in every position. Girls have every right to dream, and we must walk alongside them in turning those dreams into reality.”
She further highlighted the vital role of the NCW’s Women’s Complaints Office, which operates across Egypt’s 27 governorates to support women facing legal and social challenges. “This ongoing success,” she noted, “is made possible through collaboration with our partners.”
Youth Voices at the Center of Change
Concluding her remarks, Counselor Ammar delivered an empowering message to the young participants:
“As long as you are part of Dawwie and your voices reach us, know that we hear you. Tell us what you want—and we will make it happen.”
This visit reinforces Egypt’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces for girls’ empowerment, while building sustainable, youth-led policy engagement across the nation.
