The USAID-funded $39 million program will be implemented from 2022 to 2027 in the governorates of Assiut, Beheira, Minya, Cairo, Sohag, and Qena.

According to USAID, the program is part of a broader US strategy to empower women and girls in Egypt in coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, Ministry of Social Solidarity, and the National Council for Women.

“Such cooperation aims to advance the Government of Egypt’s key policy priorities, including the Sustainable Development Strategy, National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, and the Closing the Gender Gap Accelerator,” the USAID statement read.

International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat said during the launching ceremony that the program comes within a framework of the strategic economic partnership between Egypt and the United States under which the Inclusive Economic Governance bilateral assistance agreement was signed.

Al-Mashat pointed out that women's empowerment is one of the main goals on which the international cooperation ministry works to achieve cooperation with multilateral and bilateral development partners.

US Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Shampaine underscored the significance of the program, saying that since1978, the US government has invested over $30 billion to support Egypt’s economic development.

“This five-year $39 million (approximately EGP 727 million) program builds on that support and strengthens the United States and Egypt’s longstanding partnership to empower women and girls,” she stated, adding that through this program, the US will continue to partner with the Egyptian public and private sectors to increase women’s access to jobs, financial services, and protection from violence.