UN Women, NCW, UNHCR, and Japan Launch New Phase of Sustainable Livelihoods Programme in Egypt

UN Women, the National Council for Women (NCW), UNHCR, and the Government of Japan, represented by the Japanese Embassy in Egypt, have announced the launch of a new phase of the “Humanitarian Response with Sustainable Impact: Sustainable Livelihoods and Social Cohesion” programme. This initiative, part of a broader regional effort, aims to provide sustainable support to refugee, displaced, and host community women in Egypt, Iraq, and Syria. It builds on previous successes and focuses on enhancing livelihoods, social cohesion, and climate resilience across Egypt, with activities targeting Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan.

This new phase aims to empower at least 300 vulnerable women and girls in Egypt, including refugees and members of host communities, many of whom have been affected by conflict, displacement, and climate change. By focusing on sustainable livelihoods, protection, and community integration, the programme seeks to promote lasting solutions that address urgent needs while fostering long-term stability.

At the launch event, hosted by E-Youth, key figures involved in the programme shared their insights and vision. Ms. Marwa Alameldeen, Officer in Charge of UN Women Egypt, expressed pride in the partnership between UN Women, NCW, UNHCR, and Japan. She emphasized that the programme has already reached over 3,000 refugees from Sudan, mostly women and children, and that the new phase will continue to focus on Sudanese refugees in Aswan, Cairo, and Alexandria.

UNHCR’s Assistant Representative for Operations in Egypt, Mr. Eraj Imomberdiev, stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that sustainable livelihoods are essential for building resilient communities. He acknowledged the key role of the Embassy of Japan and the NCW in supporting this initiative, which empowers vulnerable women to contribute meaningfully to their host communities and eventually to their home countries when conditions allow for their return.

Representing the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Yudai Takahashi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to empowering women through its partnership with UN Women. He highlighted Japan’s Leadership, Empowerment, Access, and Protection (LEAP) programme, which has provided USD 14 million in funding since 2017. The LEAP programme focuses on protection from gender-based violence, vocational training, capacity-building, and promoting women’s leadership in peacebuilding efforts. Takahashi emphasized Japan’s dedication to ensuring that “no one is left behind”, a key principle of the human security concept.

Ms. Mai Mahmoud, Head of the Women’s Business Center at the NCW, expressed pride in the programme’s achievements. She highlighted how the initiative has fostered cultural exchange and integration by bringing together refugee and Egyptian women, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences. Many programme graduates have successfully launched small businesses and participated in local and international events, including Expo 2020. Mahmoud emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of these projects and expressed hope for even more success stories in the future.

The event also featured testimonials from Sudanese refugee women and host community members, who shared how the programme had transformed their lives. Several beneficiaries described how vocational training and business mentorship enabled them to create sustainable livelihoods, allowing them to support their families and strengthen their communities. As a token of appreciation, attendees were offered samples of chocolates produced by programme graduates, showcasing the tangible impact of the initiative.

This new phase of the “Humanitarian Response with Sustainable Impact” programme reflects a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and vulnerable communities. It highlights the power of collaboration between UN Women, UNHCR, NCW, and Japan in promoting economic inclusion, gender equality, and community resilience. As Libya, Iraq, and Egypt continue to grapple with the effects of conflict and climate change, initiatives like this serve as crucial steps toward stability, integration, and sustainable development.

By investing in livelihoods and social cohesion, the programme aims to empower women not just as individuals, but as leaders within their communities, creating ripple effects that will benefit future generations. With strong partnerships in place and a proven track record, this initiative represents a vital contribution to building stronger, more resilient societies across the region.