Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber launched the Equal Opportunities Units Workshop, held at the Cairo Governorate Headquarters. The workshop included representatives from the Equal Opportunities Units of the governorates of Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia, Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Gharbia.
The workshop is held under the title "Protecting Women from Violence: Comprehensive Response Mechanisms and Support Services to Address All Forms of Violence and Abuse." It aligns with the Egyptian state's efforts to promote the protection and empowerment of women and to further develop mechanisms for addressing woman-related issues.
The workshop was attended by Deputy Governors Ashraf Mansour, Eng. Mona El-Batrawi, Dr. Ahmed Anwar El-Adl, and Major General Omar El-Shafie, Deputy Governor for the Northern Region. Also in attendance were Dr. Eman El-Sobky, Head of the Central Department for Equal Opportunities and Women's Empowerment at the Ministry of Local Development; Dr. Shaimaa Naeem, Head of the Central Department for Human Resources and Financial Affairs and Coordinator of Equal Opportunity Units in ministries and governorates at the National Council for Women; and Mona Salem, National Coordinator of the Project to Combat Violence Against Women.
The event was also attended by several senior officials from the Cairo governorate, representatives of the Ministry of Local Development and the National Council for Women, as well as officials from the Equal Opportunity Units of the participating governorates.
In his opening remarks, Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber welcomed the representatives of the Ministry of Local Development and the National Council for Women, commending their national role and ongoing efforts to support woman-related issues, develop frameworks for protecting and empowering women, and promote the principles of gender equity and equal opportunity.
Saber also welcomed the heads and officials of the Equal Opportunity Units from the participating governorates, praising their commitment to exchanging expertise and sharing successful experiences, thereby contributing to the development of institutional performance and strengthening cooperation among entities working to combat violence against women.
Governor Saber further said that the Egyptian state, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, places great importance on empowering women, upholding their rights, and expanding their participation in various aspects of life, based on the belief that women are essential partners in building the New Republic and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. He added that they are a cornerstone of social stability in Egyptian society.
Saber also stated that collaborative efforts among the Ministry of Local Development, the National Council for Women, governorates, and other relevant entities represent a fundamental pillar in building an effective system for protecting women, ensuring their access to the necessary services, and upholding their right to a safe and decent life free from violence and discrimination.
Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber added that ending violence against women goes beyond being just a social issue but is a shared national and institutional responsibility linked to upholding human rights, achieving equity and equal opportunity, and ensuring women's effective engagement in the development process.
Saber also said that Cairo, with its diverse population and social fabric, and vast geographical area, bears a significant responsibility in supporting efforts to protect women and in providing a safe and equitable environment that respects their dignity and upholds their rights.
Moreover, Governor Saber stated that the governorate is working to supporting community awareness efforts and promoting coordination among executive and service bodies, as well as other relevant authorities. This ensures a rapid response to women's complaints and facilitates their access to available legal, social, psychological, and healthcare services in line with the responsibilities of each entity and with due regard for privacy and confidentiality.
Saber further said that the Equal Opportunity and Women's Empowerment Units are essential for promoting gender equity and equality in the workplace, identifying the challenges facing women, raising awareness of their rights, and removing barriers to their effective participation. He added that these units also contribute to fostering a safe work environment free from discrimination, violence, and abuse.
Saber also stressed the governorate's commitment to strengthening the role of the Equal Opportunity and Women's Empowerment Unit at the governorate headquarters and boosting cooperation between the unit and its counterparts in district departments, directorates, and partner entities. He added that these efforts extend protection and empowerment services to all segments of society, with particular attention given to the most vulnerable women and girls.
The governor added that organizing that workshop with the participation of the six governorates represents a key opportunity to exchange expertise and successful experiences and to unify visions regarding mechanisms for protecting women.
Saber also stated that succeeding in addressing this issue is not measured by the number of seminars and activities held but by their actual effect on women's lives, their ability to make women feel safer, facilitate their access to their rights and services, and provide an institutional and community environment.
Saber also expressed his aspiration for the workshop's outcomes to contribute to supporting coordination among the governorates, improving the performance of officials in the Equal Opportunity Units, developing response and referral mechanisms, and producing actionable and measurable recommendations that support the state's efforts to protect and empower women.
Furthermore, Saber stated that implementing this system successfully requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities, identifying effective points of contact among the participating authorities, and consistent follow-up of efforts and results. Hence, it will contribute to building a safe environment for women, upholding the principles of gender equity and equal opportunity, and turning protection efforts into measurable results that make a real difference in citizens' daily lives.
Concluding his speech, the governor extended thanks and appreciation to all participating bodies and the organizers of the workshop and to the representatives of the six governorates in recognition of their efforts in supporting women's issues and promoting the principles of gender equity and equal opportunity. He also saluted every woman, mother, daughter, and wife who shoulders the responsibility of protecting the country from any threats that might endanger it.
🖋️ Source: Media department, Cairo Governorate
