The Egyptian Ministry of Labor has officially launched a new initiative aimed at mainstreaming gender equality in the workplace. Operating under the national investment plan, the project focuses on equipping women with the digital, entrepreneurial, and vocational skills necessary to build sustainable livelihoods and participate effectively in the local economy.
Quick Facts
- Targets women aged 20 to 55 in Egypt.
- Covers Cairo, Port Said, Gharbia, and Assiut.
- Focuses on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and vocational skills.
Driving Female Entrepreneurship in Egypt
Supervised by Dr. Sherine Abdel Hai, General Director of Women and Child Affairs, the project specifically targets women who are primary breadwinners, individuals with disabilities, and mothers of working children. By focusing on these demographics, the Ministry aims to create alternative income streams that indirectly combat child labor and expand social protection.
The economic pillar of the initiative provides a comprehensive training package designed to help women launch small businesses. Participants receive instruction in modern business fundamentals, including digital entrepreneurship, electronic marketing, and income-generating trades.
Vocational training options span multiple crafts, offering practical skills in textile sewing, manual embroidery, woodworking, textile and pottery printing, semi-automatic carpet weaving, and resin product manufacturing.
Comprehensive Skills and Social Support
Beyond economic tools, the program integrates a strong social and health framework to ensure holistic empowerment. Trainees participate in awareness programs covering reproductive health and critical social issues.
The social curriculum directly addresses challenges that hinder female workforce participation, offering education on combating early marriage, female genital mutilation, harassment, and bullying.
Additionally, the project features a health empowerment axis, providing medical check-ups and ongoing health monitoring for the beneficiaries in coordination with local authorities.
About the Gender Mainstreaming Project
The “Support for Mainstreaming Gender in the Workplace” project is an annual initiative by the Egyptian Ministry of Labor designed to align with the country’s sustainable development goals. Executed across Cairo, Port Said, Gharbia, and Assiut, the program operates through a collaborative framework involving the National Council for Women, Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Endowments, and regional health directorates. This multi-agency approach ensures comprehensive support for women, promoting financial independence and social justice within the national workforce.
Source: Masrawy
