i found this article at the Minstriy of comunication and information technology website :)
“We are proud of the vast majority of Egyptian women who are actively promoting the cause of gender equality, but we are acutely aware of the length of the road ahead. What I feel confident about is that advocacy on the part of civil society, when supported by the state, can and does bear fruit. We must therefore consolidate our separate efforts, private and public, for more rapid progress in achieving our social, political and economic agenda.”
H.E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, President of the National Council for Women
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), fully comprehending the magnitude of this statement, was swift to respond to the principal requisites of the call, thereupon taking steps to assemble a body for handling gender-related issues in the Ministry.
MCIT has been keen on promptly responding to the request addressed from the National Council for Women (NCW) to ministries and government authorities pertaining to the appointment of a body/focal point- independent of the formal organizational structure- to address common gender concerns and mainstream gender sensitive issues in ministerial development plans.
MCIT responded by founding an Equal Opportunity Unit, appointing staff members to grasp the concept and suggest a framework and plan for the Unit as well as nominating personnel to assume its responsibilities. The group participated in several gender training sessions to derive the necessary knowledge from experts on gender and development.
The primary point of focus of the training was on how to best employ a strategy for gender mainstreaming in the ministry’s operation. It was evident that institution and capacity building were necessary to develop skills required for the formulation of gender sensitive plans, policies, and programs.
The Equal Opportunity Unit would be a counterpart for similar “machineries” in other government authorities and ministries. The roles and responsibilities of those units are expected to be consistent with the directives of the NCW. Moreover, an essential role or the units would be of a facilitator of the gender dialogue and agenda within the ministries.
This stance on the part of MCIT is not improvised, but is one in a series of positive and innovative approaches to overcoming encountered challenges in the course of socioeconomic reform and including the modernization of government operations and the manner of handling them. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, was established at a time when it was crucial for Egypt to sprint to global frontlines of the informatics and communications advancement race.
MCIT has set a model of “participation for success” between all sectors of the Egyptian society. This is clearly demonstrated in projects initiated by the Ministry that are owned by the Government and outsourced for implementation to the private sector - thus setting a partnership formula for the public and private business development efforts. MCIT cooperates with government institutions, academic institutions and business enterprises in Egypt, directly through joint projects and indirectly through enhancement of the country’s ICT infrastructure, attracting foreign investment (and expertise) and building human capacities.
MCIT, setting an enlightening example, is in the forefront of ministries responding to the call for gender mainstreaming. The gesture stems from a well-founded belief in the importance of participation of all gears of the civil society, a fact that is consistent with H.E. The First Lady’s recommendation of consolidating efforts for best performance and rapid progress towards achievement of our social, economic and political agenda.
Notably, the NCW has been delegated, in accordance with its mandate, to study and analyze common concerns of Egyptian women in different sectors in order to propose solutions and shed light on possible resolution alternatives.
It had become evident that the effectiveness of the NCW would depend on fostering links and partnerships at every level (both governmental and non-governmental) in addition to engendering women structures in line ministries of the Egyptian government in an attempt to cultivate the awareness of women issues and gender equity in the public sector.
The National Council for Women, since its foundation by presidential decree in February 2000, has been actively pursuing its roles for the advancement of women in the Egyptian society.
The Council has been working on affirmative action for women empowerment and mainstreaming gender issues within Egypt’s National Strategy 2002-2007, as well as developing the first National Strategy for Women.
