The European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt and the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo launched the EU Gender Champion initiative with the presence of the Minister of Planning Dr. Hala El Said, the Minister of Tourism Dr. Rania Al Mashat, the Head of the National Council for Women (NCW) Dr. Maya Morsy, the Secretary General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) Dr. Azza Al Ashmawy, prominent actress and celebrity Yousra, and the sports champion Hana Gouda.
"Today, I am proud to announce, together with my colleague Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden, and with the support of EU Member States, that we are determined to step up our efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment. Egypt is a close partner and friend and we are determined to build on this solid base to develop our cooperation further," said Ivan Surkoš, Ambassador of the EU to Egypt.
In Egypt, since 2014, EU cooperation targeting areas of women empowerment and violence against women and girls has accounted for more than EUR 20 million. Additionally, more than EUR 150 million has been targeted to child protection and access to education, with significant part of this being dedicated to girls' rights.