A delegation from UNFPA and the Royal Norwegian Embassy conducted a field visit to Qaliubiya to showcase the innovative and sustainable models addressing gender-based violence and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential, with the National Council for Women and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The visit highlighted the tangible outcomes of the ongoing partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy under the project “A holistic approach to population growth and enhanced population characteristics, through the empowerment of young people, investment in adolescent girls, and addressing all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls”. This three-year project (2023-2026), builds on prior successful collaborations and focuses on youth empowerment, reproductive health, and combating GBV.
The delegation, headed by Mr. Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Egypt Representative, Ms. Hilde Klemetsdal, Norway Ambassador to Egypt, and Dr. Salma Dawara representing NCW, began the day with a courtesy meeting with Eng. Ayman Attia, Governor of Qalyubia. Discussions centered on reinforcing multi-sectoral cooperation to further enhance GBV prevention and response efforts at the local level, building on the governorate’s commitment to improving services and quality of life for its residents.
The Governor of Qalyubia affirmed during the meeting the importance of international cooperation in supporting Egypt’s efforts to combat violence against women and to provide a safe environment for them in all fields. He stated: “We are working diligently to implement the National Strategy to Combat Violence Against Women. We are particularly focused on providing psychological, medical, and legal support services to women survivors of violence, in addition to awareness and education programs aimed at changing misconceptions surrounding this issue.”
At Benha University, the delegation met with Prof. Dr. Nasser El-Gizawy, University President, and toured the institution’s Anti-Violence Against Women (VAW) University Unit and the Safe Women Clinic at Benha University Hospital. These pioneering models, established with support from UNFPA and NCW, integrate medical, psychological, and legal services to create a safe educational environment for women and girls.
During a technical presentation, staff from both units highlighted their survivor-centered approach, offering informal and formal reporting channels, psychological first aid, legal support, and essential medical services. Engaging students in awareness campaigns also remains a cornerstone of the University Unit's outreach, transforming campus culture and attitudes toward GBV.
The delegation continued to the NCW Qalyubia branch, visiting the Women Vocational Cluster, a hub for empowering GBV survivors through vocational training in crafts such as leatherwork, embroidery, and sewing. Through this initiative, women not only develop income-generating skills but also receive psychosocial and legal support, ensuring a holistic approach to their recovery and empowerment. Informal discussions with beneficiaries underscored the transformative impact of linking economic empowerment with GBV services.
The field visit concluded with an interactive session at a Population Awareness Club at the Kafr Manaker Youth Center, part of the Population Awareness Clubs (PACs) Program. Volunteers led discussions on the forms and effects of GBV, available referral mechanisms, and the role of youth in advocating for safer communities. The session, held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and& Sports, reflected UNFPA’s commitment to investing in young people as key agents of change.
