Running from 25 November to 10 December, the Instagram campaign @WFP_Egypt brings together 10 influential public figures and experts from various sectors, including media, mental health, food industry, sports, STEM, corporate, and nutrition, to share insights and a call to action through engaging social media content.

Highlighting the connection between food security and GBV, WFP hosted an interactive panel discussion featuring participating experts and public figures who addressed GBV within their line of work and its impact on women’s lives, including their access to essential resources, like adequate access to food.

Attendees included diplomatic and donor community members, partners, and the private sector, contributing to meaningful conversations on actionable solutions.

Jean-Pierre de Margerie, WFP Egypt representative and country director, highlighted the importance of partnerships and collective action in tackling food security and GBV.

“Part of our work with the Egyptian government underscores the strength of partnerships in addressing the complex intersection of food security and gender-based violence,” he said.

“Through economic empowerment initiatives, like WFP’s She Can, we provide women with entrepreneurship training and micro-loans, enabling them to start their businesses, boost household incomes, and improve the well-being of their families, thereby strengthening their self-esteem and reducing their vulnerability to any form of violence. Together, we are empowering women across Egypt to create lasting change,” he added.

TV Presenter Rana Arafa, participant in the campaign, said: “I am proud to participate in this powerful campaign. Violence in all its forms acts as a barrier, preventing women from accessing essential resources and opportunities. As members of the Egyptian media, we play a powerful role in perpetuating these challenges or dismantling them.”

“By showcasing real stories of resilience and change, we can challenge societal stigmas, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action to combat gender-based violence and create a more equitable future for women,” she added.   

Michel Gerges, founder of Rajul, an initiative aimed at supporting men in achieving a greater understanding of their identity, purpose, and role, and one of the influential figures participating in the campaign, spoke at the event.

“I am honoured to be part of this. We must understand and speak of how society’s expectations and perception of masculinity and manhood can influence gender-based violence, leading to consequential effects on the bare necessities of families and communities, such as food security," Gerges said.

The digital campaign highlights WFP’s ongoing partnership with the government to support women in Egypt, including gender-sensitive food distributions and economic empowerment programmes.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, WFP has supported rural women in increasing their household incomes by nearly 50 percent.

Through the diverse perspectives and real-world solutions showcased in this campaign, WFP reaffirms its commitment to addressing GBV, empowering women, and promoting more equitable and resilient communities.