The "Towards a Comprehensive Approach to Combating Harmful Practices Against Girls" program concluded in Egypt's Asyut and Sohag governorates on September 28, 2026. The program, implemented by the National Council for Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population, the United Nations Population Fund, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt, aimed to protect girls and promote their awareness of their rights. The closing ceremony was attended by Zaina Tawkil, a member of the National Council for Women, Germaine Haddad, Acting Representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Egypt, and Dr. Samir El-Damiry, Head of the Primary Health Care and Family Development Sector at the Ministry of Health and Population.
The program adopted a comprehensive approach to addressing harmful practices against girls, extending beyond awareness-raising to building the capacities of girls, qualifying facilitators, engaging families and local communities, and promoting cooperation among concerned parties. According to Zaina Tawkil, the program achieved significant reach, benefiting 7,917 girls and 2,154 boys, while qualifying 517 female and 147 male facilitators. Over 36,163 people participated in community events and activities targeted at families. Tawkil emphasized that the program's success is not measured solely by its activities but by the knowledge, capacities, experiences, partnerships, and impact it leaves behind.
The program's outcomes include empowering girls with knowledge, awareness, and skills to make informed decisions about their future. It also aimed to provide a supportive environment for girls by engaging families and communities. The National Council for Women is committed to investing in girls, with the program being part of a national effort led by the council, under the patronage of Egyptian President's wife, Entissar El-Sisi. The program reflects the Egyptian government's interest in protecting and empowering girls as a fundamental aspect of building a better future for Egypt.
The closing ceremony included a discussion session on the program's experiences and successes in empowering girls, moderated by Shirin Maher, Coordinator of the National Program for Empowering Girls. The session was attended by facilitators, parents, and healthcare providers. An artistic presentation about the "Noura" program was also showcased, followed by a short performance by a girl and a boy who participated in the program. Certificates of completion were awarded to graduates of the "Noura" and "Noor" programs.
Zaina Tawkil expressed her appreciation for the partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has been working with the National Council for Women for years on women's and girls' empowerment, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. She thanked the embassy for its support and commitment to continuing cooperation with national institutions. Tawkil also acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations Population Fund, the Ministry of Health and Population, and all national partners that contributed to implementing the program.
The program's conclusion marks the beginning of a new phase of building on the achievements, with qualified national cadres, accumulated field experiences, and a network of partners and entities working in this field. The National Council for Women will continue to work on protecting and empowering girls, ensuring that the program's impact continues. Tawkil praised the national team, as well as experts, specialists, facilitators, and their efforts in planning, implementation, and follow-up.
The "Towards a Comprehensive Approach to Combating Harmful Practices Against Girls" program is a significant step towards protecting girls and promoting their rights in Egypt. The program's comprehensive approach and partnerships have contributed to its success, and its outcomes will have a lasting impact on the lives of girls in Egypt. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to ensure the program's objectives are met, and its impact is sustained.
Key points
- The program benefited 7,917 girls and 2,154 boys, and qualified 517 female and 147 male facilitators.
- The program aimed to provide a supportive environment for girls by engaging families and communities.
- The National Council for Women will continue to work on protecting and empowering girls, ensuring that the program's impact continues.
