As part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with its diaspora, the National Council for Women (NCW) took center stage during the sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference, held this year under the theme “From Everywhere… Egypt is the Destination.” The event, spanning August 3–4, brought together a distinguished array of government officials, diplomats, and experts from various sectors.
During the conference’s second session, Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women, delivered a keynote address titled “New Initiatives and Facilitations for Egyptians Abroad.” The panel included notable figures such as Ambassador Badr Abdel Aaty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration; Dr. Mohamed Farid, Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority; Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities; Ambassador Nabil Habashy, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Migration; Tarek El-Khouly, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt; Major General Eng. Amr Abdel Wahab, Chairman of the New Egyptian Countryside Development Company; and Dr. Ramadan Mohamed, Assistant Minister of Education for Evaluation and Examination Systems.
Empowering Egyptian Women Abroad
In her remarks, Counselor Ammar highlighted the NCW’s pivotal role as the national mechanism for women’s empowerment, emphasizing its strategic interest in supporting Egyptian women living abroad. She recalled recent landmark initiatives such as:
- “She Can” Conference: A collaborative event between NCW and the Ministry of State for Migration aimed at strengthening the connection between Egyptian women overseas and their home country. The conference spotlighted successful female role models and created dialogue around female entrepreneurship, education, and civic engagement.
- “She Leads” Program: Launched in partnership with the National Training Academy, the program focuses on developing leadership skills among Egyptian women abroad, positioning them as global ambassadors for Egyptian women’s rights and culture. Counselor Ammar emphasized how such programs reinforce Egypt’s soft power diplomacy and promote a modern image of the nation on the international stage.
“The conference opened a crucial gateway for continuous interaction between successful Egyptian women abroad and national institutions dedicated to empowerment and development,” Ammar noted.
International Engagement and Diplomacy
Ammar also discussed the Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, which actively liaises with global diplomatic missions and international organizations focused on gender equity. The Council regularly hosts spouses of Egyptian diplomats, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of women in shaping Egypt’s global image.
In cooperation with the Association of Diplomatic Spouses, the NCW has developed a training roadmap aimed at equipping university students and graduates with practical skills and academic research guidance — a forward-thinking move aligning education with diplomacy.
Addressing Migration and Legal Support
The NCW continues to deliver essential services on the ground through its Women’s Complaint Office and hotline 15115, offering legal and social support to women across Egypt. Additionally, Counselor Ammar reviewed the Council’s participation in a significant EU-funded initiative tackling the economic drivers of irregular migration, underscoring the NCW’s active role in sustainable development and migration management.
