Latest news with #NationalCouncilforWomen


See - Sada Elbalad
21-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Commissioner for Gender Equality met with Ambassador of Egypt
Israa Farhan The Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms. Josie Christodoulou, met yesterday with the Ambassador of Egypt to Cyprus, Mr. Mohammed Zaazou. During the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, the Commissioner referred to the excellent level of cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, which is also reflected in the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Economic Empowerment of Women in the Tourism Sector, signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and Egypt last January. Referring to her visit to Cairo last February, Ms Christodoulou noted the opportunities for enhancing the cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt in the field of women's empowerment. In this context, the Commissioner extended through the Egyptian Ambassador an invitation to the President of the National Council for Women (NCW) of Egypt, Ms. Amal Ammar, to visit Cyprus. Ms. Christodoulou then briefed the Ambassador on the work of her Office, with particular reference to the horizontal actions undertaken by the government with the aim of mainstreaming gender in all policy areas. For his part, Mr Zaazou stressed the excellent level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and Egypt, thanked Ms. Christodoulou for the thorough briefing and expressed the embassy's as well as his personal readiness to cooperate in promoting the work of the Commissioner. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies


Egypt Independent
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
FM: President al-Sisi regards women as essential partners in national development
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's commitment to empowering women as essential partners in national development. This came during the opening session of the 10th General Conference of the Arab Women Organization, held under the patronage of President Sisi. The conference, convened under the theme of 'connectivity, empowerment, and protection for women and girls from cyber violence and technological and AI-related abuse, was attended by several high-level officials including Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy, Director-General of the Arab Women Organization Fadia Kiwan and Chairperson of the National Council for Women Amal Ammar. The top diplomat emphasized the importance of the Egypt-based Arab Women Organization as a platform for sharing successful experiences in promoting women's rights, paying tribute to Arab women, with special recognition of Egyptian women as well as Palestinian women enduring the ongoing aggression in Gaza. He stressed the urgency of protecting women and girls from cyber violence and AI-related abuse, advocating for joint Arab action to develop solutions and share best practices. He highlighted Egypt's legislative measures, including the Anti-Cybercrime Law and Telecommunications Regulation Law, as well as initiatives like tech hackathons and awareness campaigns launched in cooperation with social media platforms. The minister also reviewed Egypt's efforts to advance women's rights, noting the National Human Rights Strategy, the 2030 National Strategy for Women's Empowerment, increased female participation in the judiciary, and greater representation in parliament. The conference concluded with the honoring of Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, former Minister of Social Affairs and former Chair of the National Council for Women, who was awarded both the National Shield and the Arab Women Organization's Shield for her contributions to efforts to protect women's rights and empower them.


The Star
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Aswan int'l women film festival spotlights gender issues through cinema
ASWAN, Egypt, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The 9th Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) reinforced its focus on gender equality and women's empowerment during its latest edition, screening 72 films from around 30 countries alongside panels addressing social challenges faced by women globally, organizers said. Held under the patronage of Egypt's ministries of culture and tourism, the festival, which ran from May 2 to 7, included public discussions on topics such as institutional support for women's rights and the history of Egyptian women in visual arts. It also launched the "Nut Forum for Women's Issues," featuring short films and debates on female genital mutilation, child marriage, and gender-based violence under the initiative "Stars for Change." "The festival uses cinema to amplify women's struggles not just in Egypt but worldwide. The Nut Forum brings specialists and artists together to address real challenges," festival director Hassan Abu Al-Ela told reporters. He highlighted expanded public outreach this year, including screenings and discussions in Aswan's main square and public library, aimed at engaging audiences who rarely visit traditional cinemas. Competitions showcased 10 feature films and 20 shorts from countries, including Nigeria, the UAE, Switzerland, and Argentina, with themes centered on women's social and political realities. Egyptian actress Dalia El Behery, a feature film jury member, praised the lineup's diversity: "The selection is strong and impressively varied, reflecting truly global perspectives." Supported by the National Council for Women, UN Women, and the European Union, the festival emphasized cinema's role as a tool for social advocacy. Organizers said the blend of art and activism drew broader public participation this year, aligning with Egypt's efforts to position itself as a regional hub for cultural diplomacy.

Egypt Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
To the Timeless Voice of Umm Kulthum, the 9th Aswan International Women Film Festival Kicks Off with Honors to Lebleba and Kinda Alloush
Set against the enchanting voice of the legendary Kawkab El Sharq Umm Kulthum, the 9th edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) launched on the evening of Friday, May 2nd. This year's edition pays tribute to the iconic singer, marking 50 years since her passing, and celebrates her enduring legacy not only as a voice but as a cinematic figure who addressed women's issues through film. TV presenter Jasmine Taha Zaki opened the ceremony, unveiling several surprises for this edition — including the launch of a 'Films of the South' competition and events taking place across Aswan in public libraries, gardens, and open-air venues with music, circus performances, and public talks. Jasmine noted that Umm Kulthum is honored not just for her music, but also for her pioneering work in cinema portraying women's stories. This year, the festival features 72 films from 34 countries and hosts competitions for feature films, shorts, impact films, EU films, Aswan workshop films, and the new Southern Cinema segment. Actress Dalia El Behairy delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing pride in attending the festival in the majestic city of Aswan — a place where women have held stature from Pharaonic times to the present. She emphasized the importance of cinema in empowering women and urged for a more just and equal world. Festival Director Hassan Abu El-Ala described this year's edition as a deeply special one, carrying the name of the Arab world's greatest artist. He highlighted how the festival extends into the streets and public spaces of Aswan and thanked the Ministry of Culture, Aswan Governorate, the Ministry of Tourism, EgyptAir, the National Council for Women, the EU, UN Women, and others for their support. Dr. Azza Kamel, Vice Chair of the Festival's Board of Trustees and Head of the NUT Forum for Women's Issues, called this edition 'exceptional' for bearing Umm Kulthum's name. 'She was the voice, the power, and the unifier of the Arab world — a symbol of resilience, courage, and resistance,' said Kamel. She dedicated this edition to every creative woman rewriting the narrative about gender and justice. Festival President Mohamed Abdel Khaleq described the 9th edition as a prelude to an even more expansive 10th edition, emphasizing the mission to make cinema accessible to all. Ambassador Dr. Mervat Tallawy, Chair of the Board of Trustees, praised the festival's alignment with the national agenda to empower women and stressed cinema's role in shifting awareness. She also honored the resilience of Gazan women and children through the symbolic presence of their stories. Judge Amal Ammar of the National Council for Women highlighted art as more than entertainment — a powerful bridge between cultures. She praised Umm Kulthum as a lasting national icon and urged guests to enjoy the rich cinematic and musical program. Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt and the Arab World, expressed joy at attending the opening in Aswan. She spoke about the EU's commitment to supporting women, cinema, and nature, and called Umm Kulthum an icon who represented Arab culture worldwide. Governor Ismail Kamal welcomed the attendees, affirming the central role of women in Aswan's society. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy highlighted Aswan's heritage and Egyptian cinema's enduring legacy, underlining Egypt's dedication to empowering both women and youth. The festival honored Syrian actress Kinda Alloush for her rich portrayals of women, to which she responded with heartfelt thanks, saying she considers Egypt her second home and is always enchanted by Aswan's beauty. Dutch filmmaker Elisabeth Francke was also honored for her impactful documentaries. She expressed gratitude for being part of the festival, praised the global power of film to inspire change, and raised a Palestinian scarf in solidarity with Palestine. The festival also paid tribute to Egyptian star Lebleba, who voiced pride in receiving an award during a festival named after Umm Kulthum. Having starred in 97 films, she emphasized her lifelong commitment to delivering meaningful messages through her work and thanked the people of Aswan for their warm welcome. In a recorded message, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, affirmed the role of art in awakening consciousness, calling for cinema that deepens national belonging and supports women's causes. To the Timeless Voice of Umm Kulthum, the 9th Aswan International Women Film Festival Kicks Off with Honors to Lebleba and Kinda Alloush Set against the enchanting voice of the legendary Kawkab El Sharq Umm Kulthum, the 9th edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) launched on the evening of Friday, May 2nd. This year's edition pays tribute to the iconic singer, marking 50 years since her passing, and celebrates her enduring legacy not only as a voice but as a cinematic figure who addressed women's issues through film. TV presenter Jasmine Taha Zaki opened the ceremony, unveiling several surprises for this edition — including the launch of a 'Films of the South' competition and events taking place across Aswan in public libraries, gardens, and open-air venues with music, circus performances, and public talks. Jasmine noted that Umm Kulthum is honored not just for her music, but also for her pioneering work in cinema portraying women's stories. This year, the festival features 72 films from 34 countries and hosts competitions for feature films, shorts, impact films, EU films, Aswan workshop films, and the new Southern Cinema segment. Actress Dalia El Behairy delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing pride in attending the festival in the majestic city of Aswan — a place where women have held stature from Pharaonic times to the present. She emphasized the importance of cinema in empowering women and urged for a more just and equal world. Festival Director Hassan Abu El-Ala described this year's edition as a deeply special one, carrying the name of the Arab world's greatest artist. He highlighted how the festival extends into the streets and public spaces of Aswan and thanked the Ministry of Culture, Aswan Governorate, the Ministry of Tourism, EgyptAir, the National Council for Women, the EU, UN Women, and others for their support. Dr. Azza Kamel, Vice Chair of the Festival's Board of Trustees and Head of the NUT Forum for Women's Issues, called this edition 'exceptional' for bearing Umm Kulthum's name. 'She was the voice, the power, and the unifier of the Arab world — a symbol of resilience, courage, and resistance,' said Kamel. She dedicated this edition to every creative woman rewriting the narrative about gender and justice. Festival President Mohamed Abdel Khaleq described the 9th edition as a prelude to an even more expansive 10th edition, emphasizing the mission to make cinema accessible to all. Ambassador Dr. Mervat Tallawy, Chair of the Board of Trustees, praised the festival's alignment with the national agenda to empower women and stressed cinema's role in shifting awareness. She also honored the resilience of Gazan women and children through the symbolic presence of their stories. Judge Amal Ammar of the National Council for Women highlighted art as more than entertainment — a powerful bridge between cultures. She praised Umm Kulthum as a lasting national icon and urged guests to enjoy the rich cinematic and musical program. Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt and the Arab World, expressed joy at attending the opening in Aswan. She spoke about the EU's commitment to supporting women, cinema, and nature, and called Umm Kulthum an icon who represented Arab culture worldwide. Governor Ismail Kamal welcomed the attendees, affirming the central role of women in Aswan's society. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy highlighted Aswan's heritage and Egyptian cinema's enduring legacy, underlining Egypt's dedication to empowering both women and youth. The festival honored Syrian actress Kinda Alloush for her rich portrayals of women, to which she responded with heartfelt thanks, saying she considers Egypt her second home and is always enchanted by Aswan's beauty. Dutch filmmaker Elisabeth Francke was also honored for her impactful documentaries. She expressed gratitude for being part of the festival, praised the global power of film to inspire change, and raised a Palestinian scarf in solidarity with Palestine. The festival also paid tribute to Egyptian star Lebleba, who voiced pride in receiving an award during a festival named after Umm Kulthum. Having starred in 97 films, she emphasized her lifelong commitment to delivering meaningful messages through her work and thanked the people of Aswan for their warm welcome. In a recorded message, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, affirmed the role of art in awakening consciousness, calling for cinema that deepens national belonging and supports women's causes. ⸻


See - Sada Elbalad
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU Ambassador: Egyptian Cinema Pioneer in Arab World... Umm Kulthum Greatest Female Icons of All Time
Taarek Refaat The European Union Ambassador to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst said that Egyptian cinema is a pioneer in the Arab world, with more than 4,000 films produced in Egypt since 1896. This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador Eichhorst at the opening ceremony of the 9th Aswan International Women's Film Festival, which was held on the banks of the Nile in the presence of Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, Aswan Governor Ismail Kamal, Amal Ammar, Head of the National Council for Women, and a host of ambassadors, artists, and filmmakers. The EU Ambassador expressed her happiness to participate in the opening of this distinguished festival held in the enchanting land of Aswan. The Ambassador said, "From beautiful and enchanting Aswan, and on behalf of the European Union, I am honored and delighted to participate, for the first time, in the Aswan International Women's Film Festival." She praised the distinguished Egyptian artists present, as well as all the distinguished artists from the member states of the European Union and other countries, and said that for more than 100 years, cinema has been a mirror, a magical art, depicting the human being, his senses, his emotions, his experiences, and his life. Cinema makes you think, feel, and pushes you to reflect on your own experience from the perspective of what is inside the frame and what is outside it. She said that the ninth edition of the Aswan Women's Film Festival celebrates one of the greatest female icons of all time, Umm Kulthum, whom she described as "a woman of exceptional talent, insight, and tremendous influence, whose life's journey has inspired many to this day." She continued, "Thank you, Umm Kulthum, for sharing your talents with so many people through your music and art." She added that the Egyptian government supports this important festival, in cooperation with all partners, especially the National Council for Women, which believes that all women achieve and utilize their full potential. Eichhorst extended a special thanks to the Board of Trustees and the festival's management for the wonderful cooperation with the European Union. She said that after six years of partnership, 500 young men and women have learned more about filmmaking, and some of their films have competed in regional and international competitions. The Ambassador also thanked the ambassadors and representatives of the EU member states present in Aswan, saying, "We are united in peace and equality." She thanked the Governor of Aswan and the people of Aswan for their generous hospitality and warm welcome, wishing the current edition of the 9th Aswan International Women's Film Festival every success. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple