Dr. Suzan Al-Qulini, spokesperson for the National Council for Women, has emphasized that Egypt has witnessed substantial development in women's empowerment over the past 12 years, describing this period as a "golden era for women." This progress is attributed to the support women have received to enhance their presence in various fields. According to Al-Qulini, the focus on empowering women and supporting their participation in decision-making and equal opportunities has increased their self-confidence and ability to participate in development pathways, aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030 objectives.
Al-Qulini highlighted that political, social, and economic empowerment, along with social protection, are key components of Egypt's strategy for women's empowerment. She noted that women are now present in various decision-making circles, including institutions, companies, parliament, and the Senate. Their role in shaping legislation and making political and economic decisions has become significant. This increased participation reflects the country's efforts to promote gender equality and create opportunities for women to contribute to national development.
In the realm of economic empowerment, Al-Qulini stressed the importance of financial inclusion programs, training for young women, and support for female entrepreneurs. These initiatives enable women to start small projects, including home-based businesses that can improve family income. Some of these projects expand over time, providing job opportunities for other young women, thereby enhancing economic empowerment and increasing the benefits of supportive initiatives for women.
Al-Qulini discussed the need for future efforts to focus on supporting female entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their activities beyond local markets to export and access external markets. Achieving this goal requires additional training in marketing, manufacturing, and export procedures, helping project owners develop their products and increase their competitiveness. This support is crucial for women's economic empowerment and their ability to contribute significantly to the national economy.
Despite the progress made, Al-Qulini acknowledged that women's empowerment still requires more work in various fields. One of the main challenges is enhancing societal conviction about the importance of women's participation in decision-making and establishing a culture based on efficiency and citizenship, rather than discrimination between men and women. This challenge highlights the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in all aspects of life.
Al-Qulini emphasized the importance of ongoing work to raise awareness about women's roles and capabilities, expressing hope that continued efforts and support for women's issues will lead to further progress in the coming phase. The National Council for Women plays a significant role in promoting women's empowerment and supporting their participation in various fields, aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030 goals.
The efforts made during the past years have achieved important progress, but Al-Qulini stressed that women's empowerment is an ongoing process that requires sustained support and commitment. By continuing to address the challenges and provide opportunities for women, Egypt can further enhance its progress in women's empowerment and promote a culture of equality and citizenship.
Key points
- Egypt has made significant progress in women's empowerment over the past 12 years, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 goals.
- Dr. Suzan Al-Qulini emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to support women's participation in decision-making and promote gender equality.
- Financial inclusion programs and support for female entrepreneurs are crucial for women's economic empowerment and their ability to contribute to national development.
