Cairo:Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh emphasized that empowering women to build more stable families is a crucial investment in the future of societies and their potential for development and peace.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Saleh highlighted the importance of enhancing women's economic empowerment, providing employment opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and expanding access to childcare services. These measures aim to improve families' living conditions and contribute to societal stability.
Saleh's remarks were delivered on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty at the international conference "Empowering Women for More Stable Families," organized by the National Council for Women in partnership with the Women's Development Organization and the Arab Family Organization. He stressed that women's empowerment benefits not only their rights and opportunities but also family and societal welfare.
In his speech, Saleh noted the ongoing challenges women and girls face, such as unequal opportunities, violence, and the unequal distribution of care responsibilities. These issues persist despite advancements in education, healthcare, and economic and political participation. He called for continued national and international efforts to further women's empowerment and gender equality.
The Deputy Minister also pointed out that armed conflicts and humanitarian crises have a direct impact on women and families, leading to displacement, loss of income, and reduced access to essential services. He underscored the necessity of protecting women and ensuring their involvement in peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.
Saleh reiterated that supporting women's economic independence and creating a supportive work environment are vital for family stability and societal resilience. He advocated for policies recognizing the value of women's care work and promoting a fair distribution of care duties between genders to facilitate women's participation in education, employment, and public life.
Furthermore, he explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting women's issues on an international stage, leveraging diplomatic efforts to support women's participation in development and decision-making while respecting cultural contexts.
Finally, Saleh reaffirmed Egypt's dedication to supporting the organization's role in representing its member states' priorities regarding women and family issues.