Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has sent a message to the Egyptian people, emphasizing that citizens will remain the focus of attention, and the primary goal of the forum is to convert its outputs into practical steps and tangible results that citizens can feel. The forum's outputs aim to develop different sectors and address issues that concern the public. This move is a follow-up to the Egypt 2026 Forum, which was held to discuss and propose solutions to various challenges facing the country.
A key area of focus is the empowerment of women, with several laws and proposals being considered to support women's rights and enhance their status in society. These include laws related to personal affairs, combating violence, economic and social empowerment, and the rights of people with disabilities. Women's rights groups have been advocating for these changes to ensure that women are given the respect and opportunities they deserve.
One of the top priorities is the new personal status law, which has been widely discussed in society and parliament. Key demands include developing alimony mechanisms, considering alimony a superior debt that can only be waived by performance or waiver, and documenting all financial rights for married women. Additionally, there are calls for the amendment of the law on guardianship of minors' assets, allowing the mother to have direct control over her children's education and finances after the father's death or absence.
The issue of violence against women remains a concern, despite significant amendments to penalize harassment and female genital mutilation. Women's groups are pushing for a unified law to combat violence against women, including a comprehensive law that defines and criminalizes domestic violence. They also seek legislation to protect the privacy of victims' data in sexual assault and harassment cases, to prevent social stigma.
In the area of economic empowerment, women are advocating for a law to establish a national fund for women's care, aimed at supporting economic empowerment and financing national programs for women, particularly those who are heads of households or from rural areas. There is also a call to review laws regulating work in the private sector, to provide equal opportunities and benefits, such as extended maternity leave and a safe work environment that prevents discrimination in wages and promotions.
Another important aspect is the empowerment of women with disabilities, who face unique challenges. With the implementation of the forum's recommendations, there is an opportunity to support these women and ensure they receive their full rights, removing barriers to equal access to education, employment, and other areas. This includes providing accessible infrastructure and services that cater to their needs.
While these demands are significant, they do not diminish the considerable achievements made in women's rights in Egypt. The legislative efforts aim to build on previous successes and ensure that women continue to play a vital role in the country's development. Key points include the adoption of an annual plan to follow up on the Egypt 2026 Forum's outputs, the introduction of new legislation to support women's rights, and the empowerment of women with disabilities.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has adopted an annual plan to follow up on the outputs of the Egypt 2026 Forum.
- New legislation is being introduced to support women's rights and enhance their status in society.
- The empowerment of women with disabilities is a key area of focus, with efforts to ensure they receive their full rights and equal access to opportunities.
