Cairo – Today, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment Program with the goal of providing 200,000 women in seven Egyptian governorates with increased employment opportunities, leadership roles, access to digital financial services, and health, legal, and psychological services for survivors of violence. The program will be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to raise support for women’s rights and elevate their roles in society.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Shampaine underscored the significance of the program, saying “Since 1978, the U.S. Government has invested over $30 billion* to support Egypt’s economic development. This five-year $39 million (approximately 727 million EGP) program builds on that support and strengthens the United States and Egypt’s longstanding partnership to empower women and girls. Through this program, the United States will continue to partner with the Egyptian public and private sectors to increase women’s access to jobs, financial services, and protection from violence.”
This program is part of a broader U.S. 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.
To learn more about the U.S.-Egypt partnership visit: www.usembassy.gov and https://www.usaid.gov/egypt and follow @USEmbassyCairo and @USAIDEgypt on Facebook and Twitter.
