200,000 women to benefit from US programme

More than 200,000 women nationwide will be granted access to better employment opportunities and leadership roles, thanks to a US government programme.

The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched the Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment Programme to give 200,000 women in seven governorates access to better job opportunities, leadership roles, digital financial services, and counselling for victims of violence.
The programme will be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to raise support for women’s rights.
US Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Shampaine said: “Since 1978, the US government has invested over $30 billion to support Egypt’s economic development.”
“This five-year $39 million (LE727 million) programme builds on that support and strengthens the United States and Egypt’s longstanding partnership to empower women and girls.
“Through this programme, 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.”
This programme is part of a broader US strategy to empower women and girls in Egypt in co-ordination with the Egyptian Ministry of International Co-operation, Ministry of Social Solidarity, and the National Council for Women.
This co-operation is intended to advance Egyptian government policy priorities, including the Sustainable Development Strategy, the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, and the Closing the Gender Gap Accelerator.