Further moves with women’s empowerment

Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity and UN Women on Thursday signed an agreement to increase investment in the care economy.

The move came in the context of efforts to promote gender equality by enhancing women’s participation in the labour force, human development and sustainable development in Egypt.

The agreement also comes in the framework of a 16-day campaign to combat violence against women and girls.

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Qabbag said: “This agreement aims to enhance working women service centres at the ministry and providing adequate work opportunities for housewives through increasing their awareness of their social and economic rights.”

This agreement reflects ministry interest in increasing investment in the care economy — a vital sector that can support economic growth, the minister added.

This sector is working for the sake of women’s economic empowerment directly through providing jobs in education and health or indirectly through relieving the burden of unpaid housework by delivering quality, low-cost care services, el-Qabbag said.