(L-r) Amel Fahmy, Nehad Aboul Komsan, Yousra, Australian Ambassador Axel Wabenhorst, Randa Abul Azm and Soraya Bahgat
The event recognized both International Women’s Day and Egyptian Women’s Day, and commemorated one year since the launch of Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy. A cornerstone of Australia’s foreign policy, the strategy reflects the understanding that gender equality benefits everyone and outlines Australia’s commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide.
This year’s theme, Balance the Scales, calls for transforming justice systems, addressing discrimination embedded in law and practice, and amplifying marginalized voices so equality becomes the rule rather than the exception.
Australian ambassador to Egypt Axel Wabenhorst launched Balance the Scales panel discussion.
In his opening remarks, Dr Axel Wabenhorst, the Australian Ambassador to Egypt, highlighted gender equality as a global imperative, noting that when societies work for women, they work better for everyone.
The Australian ambassador emphasized that Australia’s foreign policy places gender equality, diversity, and inclusion at its core, reflecting a firm commitment to the rights of all women and girls.
He also acknowledged persistent global challenges; noting that 2.5 billion women worldwide continue to be denied equal economic opportunities, nearly one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence, and women and children are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters and four times more likely to be displaced in humanitarian crises.
As the Ambassador observed, “the theme Balancing the Scales reflects a world where discrimination against women is still written into law.” Warning against backsliding on vital progress, ambassador Wabenhorst said that allowing gains in gender equality to be rolled back risks creating a world that is “more divided, less stable and less prosperous.”
The event was crowned by the participation of Egyptian superstar Yousra as guest of honour, an Arab cultural icon and a beloved champion of women.
The programme featured a panel discussion with accomplished Egyptian women contributing to efforts to “balance the scales” through leadership, advocacy, storytelling, and representation.
The panel was moderated by Soraya Bahgat, a social entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate in Egypt.
The event additionally featured a video message from Dina Yehia, an Australian‑Egyptian judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, who reflected on the importance of women’s leadership and representation across professions and borders.
Alongside Yousra, panelists included Randa Abul Azm, renowned Egyptian journalist and Bureau Chief for Al-Arabiya News Channel in Cairo; Nehad Aboul Komsan, leading Egyptian lawyer and Chair of the Egyptian Centre for Women’s Rights; and Amel Fahmy, Managing Director of Tadwein Centre for Gender Studies and a researcher specializing in gender-based violence.
The discussion explored women’s leadership, representation and voice, highlighting how storytelling, advocacy and visibility can challenge inequality and drive social change. Panelists shared reflections on navigating barriers, creating space for women to be heard, and the collective effort required to advance gender equality.
Reflecting on the event, ambassador Wabenhorst stated, “Balancing the scales makes communities, countries, and our region more inclusive and more resilient – and makes us all more secure.”
Video message from Dina Yehia, an Australian Egyptian judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
Ambassador Wabenhorst concluded the event by honouring the speakers with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to advancing women’s rights and supporting gender equality initiatives.
International Women’s Day is observed annually on 8 March to celebrate women’s achievements and promote equality. In Egypt, 16 March marks Egyptian Women’s Day, commemorating the first women-led protest against British colonial rule in 1919—a date that also coincides with Australia’s gender equality strategy anniversary.
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