Dr. Nour El Zeny, Head of Corporate Communication, CSR, and Financial Inclusion at Suez Canal Bank, took part in a high-level panel discussion titled “With Her Hands, She Shapes the Future”, held during the Cairo International Book Fair in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent.
The session focused on the role of women as a driving force for sustainable development, emphasizing that true empowerment goes beyond financial aid to include economic, social, and institutional support. Speakers underscored the importance of collective action by banks, civil society, and public institutions in creating an enabling environment that allows women to participate effectively in production, innovation, and long-term economic impact.
From Charity to Empowerment
During her remarks, Dr. El-Zeny showcased Suez Canal Bank’s integrated approach to linking corporate social responsibility (CSR) with financial inclusion and corporate communication, stressing that the bank is committed to shifting from a donation-based model to genuine economic empowerment.
“Women’s empowerment is not a luxury—it is a development and economic necessity,” El-Zeny said, noting that the bank’s strategy aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Distinguished Female Leadership
The panel brought together a group of prominent female leaders, including:
- Dr. Engy El-Yamani, Executive Director of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund
- Dr. Iman El-Nasherty, Government Relations and Partnerships Consultant at the Egyptian Red Crescent
The discussion highlighted how cross-sector partnerships can translate policy goals into measurable, on-the-ground impact.
An Integrated Development Model
Dr. El-Zeny explained that Suez Canal Bank operates under a holistic framework that integrates three interconnected pillars:
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Addressing social and humanitarian needs of underprivileged groups
- Financial Inclusion: Establishing financial independence and economic empowerment for individuals and communities
- Corporate Communication: Documenting impact, promoting volunteerism, and strengthening trust between the bank and society
She emphasized that sustainable development requires job creation and integration into the formal economy, citing bank-supported initiatives such as “Sekket Rizq” and “Marakeb Al-Rizq”, which provide long-term employment opportunities in partnership with various stakeholders.
Measuring Impact, Not Spending
El-Zeny stressed that success is not measured by the size of financial contributions alone, but by tangible changes in beneficiaries’ lives—including improved quality of life, self-reliance, and active participation in society.
Internally, the bank encourages employees to act as partners in impact through initiatives such as CSR Ambassadors, awareness campaigns, and volunteer programs, helping to foster a strong culture of social engagement and institutional belonging.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth
She also highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships as a cornerstone of sustainable development, noting that meaningful progress depends on collaboration between banks, government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, under clear governance frameworks and the supervision of the Central Bank of Egypt.
Key Areas of Impact in the Past Year
Dr. El-Zeny outlined several priority areas where the bank has focused its efforts, including:
- Healthcare: Supporting pediatric intensive care units, upgrading cardiac departments, providing medical services to hundreds of patients monthly, and launching health awareness programs for employees
- Social Solidarity: Supporting vulnerable families, empowering youth and fishermen, delivering seasonal aid, and supporting families of martyrs
- People with Disabilities: Enabling persons with disabilities and female breadwinners through sustainable income-generating projects and workplace inclusion
- Education: Supporting national educational and research initiatives and promoting innovation
- Youth and Entrepreneurship: Developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills through training programs and competitions
- Women’s Empowerment: Supporting women-led businesses, handicrafts, and honoring inspiring female role models inside and outside the banking sector
- Culture, Arts, and Sports: Backing cultural and athletic activities as tools for community empowerment
- Internal CSR: Engaging employees in volunteer and awareness initiatives to strengthen internal empowerment and corporate culture
A Long-Term Commitment
Dr. El-Zeny concluded by reaffirming that Suez Canal Bank aims to be a long-term partner in Egypt’s development, with a strategy centered on empowering women, youth, and underserved communities to create measurable and sustainable social and economic impact across the country.
