As the sun rises over the Nile this International Women’s Day, I am inspired by Egypt’s commitment to women’s empowerment, reflected in the determination of women and girls I’ve encountered during my community visits from Cairo to Upper Egypt since arriving here seven months ago.. Their stories show that sustaining progress in gender equality and health choices is essential. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) proudly partners with the Government of Egypt to ensure every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
In a world of uncertainty—marked by conflict, economic strain, climate shifts, and debates over priorities—women and girls face disproportionately higher risk of being sidelined. Yet, Egypt stands firm in safeguarding their rights and encouraging their active participation for lasting change. It’s heartening to see the government’s clarity: these rights are not negotiable—they are a cornerstone of progress.
UNFPA collaborates with vital government institutions and works alongside United Nations sister agencies, such as UNICEF, UN Women, and others, including the Ministries of Health and Population, Youth and Sports, Education, Social Solidarity, and Local Development, along with the National Council for Women (NCW) and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM). Together, we address challenges like female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and violence against women while strengthening maternal health, gender equality, and youth opportunities in line with Egypt’s vision of integrating social protection into national development—ensuring that no girl or woman is left behind.
Saynaa from Giza faced serious complications during her first pregnancy but found support at a primary healthcare unit backed by UNFPA and the Ministry of Health and Population, receiving counseling and care to plan her future.
Growing up, Dina, from Qena, struggled to accept the gender norms that prioritized her brother over her. Today, she Dina volunteers with Shamandoura, a youth initiative employing music to raise awareness and promote dialogue among young people on reproductive health topics, with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Shaimaa, from Sohag, runs storytelling workshops where survivors of violence can share their experiences. A part of UNFPA Egypt’s Social Innovation Incubator, she uses creative solutions to address harmful practices at the grassroots level.
Zanaty, a father of two girls from Assiut, chose to shield his daughters from FGM after joining sessions on engaging men and boys, tackling FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls, and has become an agent of change in his community.
These stories are not just tales of resilience; they are a call to action. Global shifts remind us that sustaining progress requires ongoing support. Scaling back resources risks stalling Egypt’s hard-won gains in health and equality and undermining decades of our collaborative achievements.
Beyond Egypt's borders, UNFPA supports the government’s efforts to assistrefugee women and girls fleeing regional conflicts, providing safe spaces, health options , and emotional care. The private sector has a unique opportunity to amplify this work, partnering with us to innovate and scale solutions that empower women and girls.
This International Women’s Day, we rally behind Egypt’s vision—backed by our partners—to secure every woman’s and girl’s rights. I urge businesses to invest in this mission, not as charity, but as a driver of thriving communities and economies. Egypt’s achievements show that empowering women lifts us all..
Together, with Egypt leading the way, we can build a future where every woman and girl thrives—no matter the challenges ahead.
Happy International Women’s Day to all Egyptians shaping a better future for women and girls!
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