Egypt’s Social Solidarity Ministry Launches Women’s Empowerment Project and Expands Cooperation with Japan

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of Nasser Social Bank, Maya Morsy, inaugurated a training and production centre for single-use medical garments at Nasr City Specialized Hospital, as part of efforts to support women’s economic empowerment and create sustainable income opportunities for female breadwinners.

Morsy also witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between Nasser Social Bank’s Nasr City Committee, Rotary Club and Nasr City Specialized Hospital to launch the “Takaful” project. The initiative aims to train female breadwinners and help them move from receiving support to becoming productive workers capable of generating stable income for their families.

The project includes the establishment of a specialised production unit for non-woven disposable medical products, including medical masks, head covers, protective medical garments, bed covers and other medical supplies. It also seeks to provide local, high-quality medical products while reducing supply costs and supporting sustainable development.

During her visit, Morsy inspected several departments at the hospital, including the chemotherapy unit, intensive care unit and outpatient clinics. She listened to patients’ requests and directed officials to follow up on them. She also toured an exhibition organised by the Upper Egypt Development Authority, featuring traditional handmade products made by women and persons with disabilities.

Morsy said the project reflects the ministry’s belief that real support should help people become able to depend on themselves. She added that linking healthcare services with economic empowerment creates a practical model that preserves dignity, supports families and builds productive communities.

In a related move, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Margaret Sarofim began an official visit to Japan at the head of a ministry delegation to discuss cooperation in social care, early childhood development and elderly care.

Sarofim met Japanese State Minister for Health, Labour and Welfare Yasumasa Nagasaka, in the presence of Egypt’s Ambassador to Japan, Ragy El-Etreby, and senior Egyptian and Japanese officials. The talks focused on exchanging expertise in social protection policies, childcare services and programmes for older persons.

Sarofim said Egypt places early childhood development among its national priorities, in line with Egypt Vision 2030, through expanding quality nursery services, developing legislative and regulatory frameworks, training workers in the sector and creating safe environments for children.

She also reviewed Egypt’s efforts to improve elderly care, expand social protection programmes and support active and healthy ageing. She praised Japan’s experience in healthy longevity, saying quality of life should be measured not only by age, but also by the ability to live a healthy, productive and meaningful life.

The visit also included meetings with Japan’s elderly care department and the Children and Families Agency, where both sides discussed early childhood policies, digital transformation in childcare centres and possible areas for future cooperation, including through Japan International Cooperation Agency.