The national referral pathway was officially endorsed by the National Council for Women (NCW) and partner line ministries in December 2019, concluding the pilot joint program titled “Essential Services Package” in Egypt, led by UNFPA jointly with UNDP, UN Women and UNODC. The program aims to address health, policing and social services sectors in combatting violence against women. 

The national referral pathway is the first endorsed multi-sectoral referral mechanism in Egypt institutionalizing the coordinated efforts in the medical, justice and policing and social services to ensure enhanced quality services for women and girls subjected to violence. 

Based on global guidelines, UNFPA and partner agencies offered technical support to relevant national stakeholders focusing on combating all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), namely NCW and the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Health and Population and Social Solidarity, to adapt and localize coordination and reporting tools that enhance the effectiveness of service delivery for survivors of violence. 

The development process of the national referral mechanism that took place over two years were marked by strong political will, institutional commitment and effective coordination and joint-planning efforts led by national partners. The result outlined the services, the processes, the entry points and possible areas for improvement.

The process was also coupled by comprehensive and needs-based capacity building programs targeting various service delivery partners including criminal justice practitioners, judiciary, forensics, policing, social workers, lawyers, NGO workers, medical health providers and community leaders.