Egypt's progress in women's rights hailed by 300 Civil Society Organizations

CAIRO - 12 November 2019: Over 300 civil society organizations working in the field of women’s rights voiced their appreciation of the importance of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and Egypt's participation in this mechanism. The organizations recognized the recommendations that were implemented by Egypt through legislative reforms to preserve and protect Egyptian women from violence and discrimination against them, as well as the work of providing social protection and to improve women's political and social participation.

Find below the full statement:

(November, 2019) We, civil society organizations concerned with women's rights, declare that we appreciate the importance of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and Egypt's participation in this mechanism.

We recognize the recommendations that have been implemented by the Egyptian government since the second cycle of the periodic review and the progress that has been made; the most prominent of which were a number of legislative reforms to preserve and protect Egyptian women from violence and discrimination against them, as well as the work of providing social protection and to improve women's political and social participation. Among these efforts include the legislations related to the criminalization of sexual harassment and the increase the penalties for the crime of female genital mutilation, in addition to criminalizing the deprivation of women from inheritance.


Egypt's progress in women's rights hailed by 300 Civil Society Organizations - Press photo

We also appreciate the efforts made to ensure the participation of women in decision- making positions, as well as the allocation of a quota for women to ensure that women receive 25% of political representation in the upcoming local and parliamentary elections. On top of that is the participation of women to 25% as ministers in the Egyptian Cabinet, and ensuring the representation of women in appointments as governors as well as empowering women through economic reform programs and social protection schemes.

We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian government and the role of the National Council for Women (NCW). We believe that Egyptian women still need more efforts to implement the provisions of the constitution and ensuring the implementation of the legislations and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, also develop the executive mechanisms that enable women to have access to justice and economic opportunity.

Moreover, we will deepen our cooperation with civil society institutions to follow up implementing of strategies to empower Egyptian women and girls.
In light of the above, we, the undersigned organizations, call for:

• Enacting a comprehensive and unified law to protect women from all forms of violence against them.
• Enacting a family law that includes up-to-date developments and the role of women as active partners in the family
• Adopting legislative amendments to criminalize early marriage.
• Increasing women's representation and participation in economic decision-making positions, boards of directors of companies and the judiciary in particular, the State Council and the Public Prosecution as stipulated in the Egyptian Constitution.
• Ensuring the sustainability and replication of economic empowerment programs and social protection initiatives.
• Ensuring the collection, production and analysis of gender- disaggregated data and information.
• Encouraging women's use of the latest technology and digitization to ensure financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
• Developing and maintaining effective partnership with civil society institutions, especially those concerned with women's rights.


Civil society has the capacity and ability to support these issues in order to achieve gender equality. Women's organizations can help in promoting a better understanding of the status and needs of Egyptian women, as well as contribute to implementing the required measures to improve the status of Egyptian women. Furthermore; the international community should support efforts related to gender equality.

We, civil society organizations concerned with women's rights, declare our support and determination to build an active partnership to unify and complement all efforts - each as concerned- to contribute in the development process and building our society.

The signatories,
1. The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights (ECWR)
2. Appropriate Communication Techniques for Development (ACT)
3. The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW)
4. The Egyptian Foundation for Family Development
5. The Women and Development Association in Alexandria
6. Helwan Community Development Association
7. (LEAD) Leaders Egyptian Association for Development
8. Foundation of Women for Development
9. Hawaa el Mostaqbal association for Family & Environmental Development
10. Egyptian Medical Women Association (EMEA)
11. Arab and African Women Association
12. The Egyptian Female Lawyers Initiative
13. Masr Foundation for Health and Sustainable Development
14. Federation of Energy and Sustainable Development ( 26 NGOs )
15. Promise Association for Training and Sustainable Development
16. Alqanawia for Training and Sustainable Development
17. The association of Engineers & investors of Energy Efficiency
18. The Global Council Foundation for Green Economy
19. Youth Foundation for Development & Environment
20. Al Mostaqbal Association for Development & Consumer Protection
21. Egyptian foundation for Comprehensive Development
22. Om el Qura for community Development Association
23. Mine Survivors for Economic Development Association
24. El Ekhlas Wal Taqwa Association for Community Development in Luxor
25. Future Youth Association for the Protection of the Environment& Sinai Heritage
26. Business Men Association in Assuit
27. Heya Association for Development & Family Development in Suhag
28. Al Eqbal Foundation for Charity & Development
29. Ana el Masry Association for Training & Development in Qena
30. Tamkeen Foundation for Training & Development
31. Enlightment -Tanweer Foundation for Education & Development in Menia
32. Egypt Coalition for Human Rights
33. Women for Development Foundation
34. Horas Association for Youth & Development in Qena
35. Al Masry Training & Development Association
36. El Fardous Sustainable Development Association
37. Health and Environmental Culture Society- Cairo
38. Egyptian Medical Women's Association- Helwan
39. Citizen's Society for Development and Human Rights- Giza
40. Vision Society for Enlightenment and Community Development- El Menia
41. Association of population development and the preservation of the environment- Cairo
42. The Egyptian Society for Marketing and Development- Cairo
43. With You Society for Social Assistance- Helwan
44. Gozour Society for the comprehensive Development- Helwan
45. The Egyptian Society for Family Empowerment- Giza
46. The Legislative Association in Bakri Mastour- Qalioubia
47. Women Pioneers Society for Development- Giza
48. Al Zohor Association for Development - 6th of October
49. Society Development Association in Sakil – 6th of October
50. The Egyptian Association for Environmental and Humanitarian Development Al Qualiubia
51. Our Society Association for Development and Human Rights- Cairo
52. Association of Women and Child Development - Al Qualiubia
53. The legislative Association in Saa'd Zaghlol – Al Qualiubia
54. Legal Association for the support of Family and Human rights – Cairo
55. Mary Girgis Youth Association – Cairo
56. Al Amal Association in Al Aslougy – Sharkia
57. Women for Development Association – 6th of October
58. The Egyptian Association for Defend and support – Helwan
59. Ayatollah Association – Giza
60. Economic Liberalization Association – Cairo
61. Family Care Association- Giza
62. Al Sharkia Youth Association – Al Sharkia
63. Al Mashrek Association for Population Development – Sharkia
64. Cairo Center for Development – Giza
65. Kelmetna Association for Dialogue and Development – Cairo
66. Al Tathkif Alfekry Association – Port Said
67. Frasis Charitable Association for Society's Development – Gharbia
68. Al Hayat Association in Zifta
69. The Forum of Dialogue and Partnership for Development – Giza
70. Future Association for Development – Aswan
71. Nahdet el Fayuom Association- Fayuom
72. The Association of the interested people in education and development – Fayoum
73. Al Tanweer Centre for Development and Human Rights – Giza
74. The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights – Cairo
75. Nama'a Association for Development and Human Rights – Al Gharbia
76. Hawaa Future Association – Giza
77. Ismailia Generations for Development Association – Ismailia
78. Haq Center for Democracy and Human Rights – Cairo
79. Association for the Support and Development of Education – Giza
80. New Fustat Association - Cairo
81. Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights – Cairo
82. Bint Al Nil Association – Cairo
83. Kirtas Masr Association – Cairo
84. Egyptian Democratic Institute – Cairo
85. Oioun Masr Association for human rights – Gharbia
86. Shoa'a Association for Development and Human Rights Studies / under establishment – Giza
87. I am Egyptian Association – Cairo
88. Red Crescent Association – Sohag
89. Human Rights Association – Assiut
90. Al Hana Women's Association – Cairo
91. Friends of Youth and the environment - Qaliubiya
92. Center of Children's rights – Cairo
93. Konouz Association for Development - Kafr El- Sheikh
94. The Arab dream Association - Kafr El-Sheikh
95. Community Development Association in Zafarana - Kafr El-Sheikh
96. Alrob' Charitable Association - Kafr El-Sheikh
97. Social Welfare Association - Kafr El-Sheikh
98. Resala association – Kafr el Sheikh
99. Craft Projects Development and small Industries Association- Desouk
100. Bint El Riaydh Association- Kafr el Sheikh
101. Said Salem Society Development Association- Kafr el Sheikh
102. The National Center for Human Rights- Kafr el Sheikh
103. Association of modern women- Kafr el Sheikh
104. The Egyptian Center for Creativity and development and training
105. Middle East Media Association- Cairo
106. Women and Development Association- Alexandria
107. Tanweer Center Association- El Menia
108. Hemaya Center for the support of defenders of human rights- Cairo
109. Our Dream Foundation for comprehensive Development – Qaliubia
110. Nahdet Misr Association- El Menia
111. El Sabr wi El Eman Association- Helwan
112. Dakahlia people Association – Helwan
113. Association of cities of steel- Helwan
114. Egyptian media professionals- Gharbia
115. The Arab Center for Creativity and Development- Cairo
116. Future Businesswomen Association
117. Regional Federation for Associations- Gharbia
118. Shehab Foundation for Comprehensive Development Foundation
119. Seekers of Society Development Association- Fayuom
120. Association of Social Care for the specific Categories- Helwan
121. Arab Women Association for Development- Ismailia
122. Hayat Center Evangelical Doubbara Palace- Cairo
123. National Association for Youth Rights- Cairo
124. Civil Association for Children Cooperation- Cairo
125. Tijan Association for Society Development- Ismailia
126. Society Development Association in Bahnsa- El Menia
127. El Ghad El Moushreq Association for the Differently needed and
Development
128. Association of Industrial Development Science for the Crafts
129. National Youth Association- Helwan
130. Today Youth Association (Shabab El Hoyum)- Helwan
131. Fayuom's Sons Association for Development- Helwan
132. Human Lovers Association- Helwan
133. Society Association for Development in Shaloufa- Suez
134. Coast people Association for Society Development- Suez
135. Fransis Sons Association – Gharbia
136. Youth Without Borders Community- Cairo
137. Christians young Association – Aswan
138. Young, Population and Development Association in Aswan – Aswan
139. Afak for Development Association – Aswan
140. Resala Association – Aswan
141. Bedaya Association – Aswan
142. Women's Renaissance Association – Aswan
143. Society's Development Association - Bandaf
144. Society Development Association in Kafr Badran- Sharqia
145. New Society Development Association in Jadida- Sharqia
146. Masriya Association for Human Resources- Sharqia
147. Society Development Association in Magzer- Sharqia
148. Society Development Association in Shalshalmon- Sharqia
149. Society Development Association in Beni Khalil- Sharqia
150. The Coptic Charitable Association in Meet Beshar- Sharqia
151. Shahid FeloBatir Association in Kafr Salama Ibrahim- Sharqia
152. Society Development Association in Shobra el Enab- Sharqia
153. Zohoor el Hayat Association- Alexandria
154. El Sendouby Foundation- Alexandria
155. Family Planning Association- Alexandria
156. The Egyptian Legal and Constitutional Association for Human Rights-
Alexandria
157. Legal Consultancy Office – Cairo 

158. Jasmin Association for Development and Social Services 

159. Muslim Young women Association 

160. Local Community Development Association in Al Malahia – Beni Suif 

161. Environment Protection Association - Beni Suif 

162. Association of Capacity Support and Development 

163. The Social Defense Association- Behira 

164. Al Fawakhrya Association- North Sinai 

165. Nour El Rahman Association in Sendbast- Gharbia 

166. Society Development Association in Senbat- Gharbia 

167. Family Care Association in Zefta- Gharbia 

168. Society Development Association in Damanhour- Gharbia 

169. Huda Association in Tefahna- Gharbia 

170. Society Development Association in Tefahna- Gharbia 

171. Society Development Association in Meshat Hatem- Gharbia 

172. The Islamic Association for Social Development in Hayatem- Gharbia 

173. Society Development Association in Hanoon- Gharbia 

174. Society Development Association in Kafr Anan- Gharbia 

175. Social Services Association in Meet Rakha- Gharbia 

176. Society Development Association in Kafr El Sanadia- Gharbia 

177. Charitable Association in Shobra Malas- Gharbia 

178. El Safa Wa El Marwa Association in Zefta- Gharbia 

179. Society Development Association in Sharshaba- Gharbia 

180. Society Development Association in Kafr Hanout south- Gharbia 

181. Society Development Association in Kafr shobra koloug- Gharbia 

182. Society Development and Association Environment Improvement in 

Zefta- Gharbia
183. El Abrar in Waseef Mosque- Gharibia 

184. Society Development Association in Shobra El Yemen- Gharbia 

185. The Charitable Association in Kafr Shobra El Yemen- Gharbia 

186. Association of Egyptians for Human Rights- Gharbia 

187. Society Development Association in Fransis- Gharbia 

188. Al Bar W Al Taqwa Association in Kafr Anan- Gharbia 

189. Shenraq Charitable Association- Gharbia 

190. Society Development Association in Sandbsat- Gharbia 

191. Sahm el Seqa Foundation for Social Development- Ismailia 

192. Heia wi Hoa (She & He) Foundation for Human Development- Giza 

193. Society Development Association in Kafr El Dawar- Behira 

194. Legal Services for Women and Children Association- Alexandria 

195. Society Development Association in the fourth village- Behira 

196. Mahasen El Aamal Association- Alexandria 

197. El Hadeer Charitable Association- Alexandria 

198. Local Society Development Association in Gabrial- Alexandria 

199. Nagmet El Zohoor Charitable Association 

200. Arab Center for Studies- Alexandria 

201. Future Lawyers Federation 

202. Cleopatra Charitable Association 

203. Social Defense Department- Alexandria 

204. Mn Qalb Masr- Alexandria 

205. Society Development in Kafr El Dawar- Behira 

206. Women Association in Matai- El Menia 

207. The Women Association in Koum Wali Matai- Matai 

208. Roaad Association in Matai- El Menia 

209. Ghad Association in Ashnin Mashasha- El Menia 

210. Society Development Association in El Gendya Bani Mazar- El Menia 

211. Bahnasa Association for the Comprehensive Development- El Menia 

212. Bint Al Nil Association- El Menia 

213. Association of Pioneers of Culture House Samalout- El Menia 

214. The Egyptian Association for Human's Rights- El Menia 

215. Amal Association in Bani Mazar- El Menia 

216. Red crescent Association in Bani Samet- El Menia 

217. Evangelical Association for Development- El Menia 

218. Society Development Association in Deer El Senforya- El Menia 

219. Mary Gerges Association in Matai- El Menia 

220. El Nour Association for Society Development in Koum Wali Matai- El 

Menia
221. Muslim Youth Association in Koum Wali Matai- El Menia 

222. Society Development Association in Dokak El Mesk Matai- El Menia 

223. El Wafaa Association for Development of Bashosha village Samalout- 

El Menia
224. El Saida Zainab Association in El Sael El Gided- Aswan
225. Abbas El Akad Cultural Association for Society Development- Aswan 

226. Egyptian Family Development Association- Aswan 

227. Women's Day Association- Aswan 

228. El Abbas Ebn Abel Moteleb Association for Society Development- 

Aswan
229. Society and Environment Association in El Awaisa village- El Menia 

230. Fawakhria Association for Development- El Areesh 

231. Talaee El Tanmia Association- El Areesh 

232. Muslim Young Women Association- El Areesh 

233. The Gender Federation of Economic Development Associations- El 

Areesh
234. Health Improvement Association- El Areesh 

235. El Abrar Association for Local Society Association- El Areesh 

236. El Gora Association for local Society Development- El Areesh 

237. El Fairouz Association for the Environmental, Social and Economic 

Services- El Areesh
238. Sinai Foundation for the Environmental Science and Sustainable
Devlopment- El Areesh
239. Branch of the Legislative Association for Workers in the Qur'an and
Sunnah- El Areesh
240. El Masaeed Association for Local Society Development-El Areesh 

241. The Charitable Association for Specific Categories Care- El Areesh 

242. Life Makers Association- El Areesh 

243. Association of Sinai Women Rights Defense- Defense 

244. El Mostaqbal Association for the Sustainable Devlopment- El Areesh 

245. Charitable El Nahda Association- El Areesh 

246. Branch of the Public Association For Social Solidarity- El Areesh 

247. The Interregional Federation for Associations and Federation in El 

Areesh
248. Association of Women Breadwinner's Resources Development- El
Areesh
249. Awladi Association- El Areesh 

250. El Safa Association for Local Society Development- El Areesh 

251. Family Planning Association- El Areesh 

252. El Nour for Society Development Association- Fayuom 

253. El Nahdat Egyptian Developmental Association- Fayuom 

254. Association of the Comprehensive Developmental Service for the 

Environment- Fayuom
255. Local Society Development and Family Association- Fayuom 

256. Association of Preservation of the Environment- Fayuom 

257. Society Development Association in Manshiet Dakm- Fayuom 

258. El Mo'ed Association for Support of the Societal Participation- 

Fayuom
259. Arab Association for Human Development- Fayuom 

260. El Sa'ad Association for Society Development- Fayuom 

261. El Nagaa Islamic Association for Society Development and Egyptian 

Women- Fayuom
262. Association of Family, Environment and Development- Fayuom 

263. Women's Association for Society Development- Fayuom 

264. Association of Small Projects for Society Development- Fayuom 

265. The Local Federation for Workers in Fayuom 

266. Youth Parliament in Youth and Sport Directorate in Fayuom 

267. Red Crescent Association in Atsa Secondary school- Fayuom 

268. El Ehsan Association- Fayuom 

269. Facilitating Haj and Omra Association- Fayuom 

270. Society Development Association in Azab- Fayuom 

271. The Comprehensive Development Association in Abu Seer- Fayuom 

272. Arab Women Association- Sharqia 

273. Health Improvement Association- Sharqia 

274. El Kheir we El Baraka Association in Saaod- Sharqia 

275. The Egyptian Association for Family Planning- Sharqia 

276. Bisha Aamer Foundation for Human Development- Sharqia 

277. Local Society Development Association in Ard Om Baiomi- Qaliubia 

278. Youth business men Association in Banha- Qaliubia 

279. Legislative Association in El Bakri- Qaliubia 

280. Western Association for the Comprehensive Development- Qaliubia 

281. The Social Services for Development and Environment Protection- 

Qaliubia
282. Mohammad's Sunnah Association- Qaliubia 

283. Industrial Population Association- Qaliubia 

284. El Mostakbal Association- Qaliubia 

285. Al Amal lil Mashrouat al Saghira Association- Qaliubia 

286. Hai El Nouras Association- Ismailia 

287. Society Development Association in the seven eastern wells- Ismailia 

288. Tanmiat El Nasr in the El samakeen EL Gedida Association- Ismailia 

289. El Fateh Association in Abu Aasaker- Ismailia 

290. Mubarak Association in EL Manaif EL Gadida in Rahid Soliman 

manor- Ismailia
291. El Gamal Charitable Association for Society Development- Ismailia 

292. EL Sahaba Association in El Gamalim manor- Ismailia 

293. EL Soli El Gebly Association- Ismailia 

294. Abu Atwa Charitable Association for Society Development- Ismailia 

295. Society Development Association in Ain Ghasween- Ismailia 

296. Association to fight Smoking and Tuberculosis- Ismailia 

297. Mashriq Association for Development and Population- Sharqia 

298. Health Improvement Association- Suhag 

299. Muslim Young Women- Suhag 

300. EL Safa wa El Marwa- Suhag 

301. Good Offices- Suhag 

302. Nahdet Baladi- Suhag 

303. Orphan adaptation Association- Suhag