Al-Ahram hosted the first edition of the “Woman and the Word” celebration on 12 May, bringing together leading journalists, writers, and public figures to honour the role of Egyptian women in journalism and announce the launch of an annual Egyptian Female Journalist Day initiative.
Held at the Naguib Mahfouz Hall at Al-Ahram’s headquarters in downtown Cairo, the event coincided with the institution’s 150th anniversary and highlighted women’s contributions to Egyptian media, culture, and public life.
Organized under the patronage of the National Press Authority, the celebration was attended by senior officials, editors, parliamentarians, and media figures, including former Petroleum Minister Tarek El Molla, Grand Egyptian Museum CEO Ahmed Ghoneim, and United Media Services news sector head Samir Omar.
The event opened with documentary screenings tracing the history of Al-Ahram and showcasing the role of Egyptian women journalists across generations.
In his keynote speech, Al-Ahram chairman Mohamed Fayez Farahat said the celebration reflected Egypt’s broader efforts to support women’s empowerment under President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.
Farahat stressed that women have always played a central role in Egyptian journalism and in Al-Ahram’s history, not only in editorial work but also in intellectual and administrative leadership. He added that the institution had long supported women’s journalism through specialized magazines and platforms focusing on social and cultural issues.
He also announced that “Woman and the Word” would become an annual celebration dedicated to honouring women working in journalism and media.
Sawsan Mourad Ezz El Arab, editor-in-chief of Nisf El Dunia and Al Beit magazines, described the initiative as an important step toward recognizing Egyptian women journalists across different media institutions, not only within Al-Ahram.
Veteran writer Mohamed Salmawy praised the initiative and called for the establishment of an annual Egyptian Female Journalist Day, saying that women had always been among the key builders of Egyptian journalism and public awareness.
Former minister and presidential adviser for economic development Hala El Said described Al-Ahram as a “school of thought” and a major contributor to Egyptian and Arab cultural life over the past 150 years. She added that the institution had consistently addressed women’s issues within broader national and social discussions rather than as isolated concerns.
The evening also featured a panel discussion on women’s empowerment moderated by media figure Randa Aboul Azm, with participation from Hala El Said, Mohamed Salmawy, veteran journalist Amina Shafik, television host Hamdy Rizk, and media personality Khairy Ramadan.
Several pioneering female journalists were honoured during the ceremony for their contributions to Egyptian journalism, including Amina Shafik, Amal Bekir, Aida Rizk, Amal Othman, Safiya Mostafa Amin, Neam El Baz, and Sokaina Fouad.
A special tribute was also presented to Palestinian journalist Mona Awkal of Al Qahera News in recognition of the work of Palestinian female journalists reporting under wartime conditions.
Awkal said she was proud to receive the honour in Egypt, which she described as her “second home,” adding that the recognition carried an important message of support for Palestinian women journalists.
The celebration also honoured the memory of several late female journalists closely associated with the history of Egyptian journalism and publishing, including Amina El Saeed, Fatma El Youssef, and Hala Mostafa.
One of the event’s major announcements was the launch of “Al-Ahram Style,” a new digital platform focusing on women and family issues, culture, architecture, arts, and social trends.
The event also featured the opening of a special art exhibition titled “Woman,” showcasing rare artworks and archival murals portraying Egyptian women and their role in society. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 26 May.
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