International Women’s Day Celebration in Egypt

Cairo — To commemorate International Women's Day, UN Women and CARE Egypt, in collaboration with the Gender and Development Donors Subgroup (GAD Group) in Egypt, will commemorate International Women's Day (IWD) in the Cairo Opera House on Saturday 10 March 2012, in a celebration titled “Laha (for her). “Laha is in appreciation of Egyptian women's contributions and achievements to the advancement of Egypt.

The main message throughout the event is focused on the empowerment of women, and the gains that empowerment brings to their families and their communities. The event will bring together guest speakers and artists to stress the strength and diversity of women. It will be attended by nearly 1,000 advocates, activists, policy-makers, donors, peer organizations, partners, supporters, media, the general public, humanitarians and global leaders to celebrate the achievements of women and urge stakeholders to support girls' and women's empowerment.

The celebration will start off with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement, to be delivered by UNIC Director Khawla Mattar, followed by the message of Mr. James Rawley, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt. The celebration will include two panel discussions: “Prominent Role of Women in Egyptian Society, moderated by Ms. Maya Morsy, UN Women Country Coordinator in Egypt; and “Women in Religion, Politics and Society, moderated by Ms. Amina Shafik, renown activist and journalist.

The celebration will also include the honouring of six public figures and role models for their achievements in the fields of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Mr. Kevin Fitzcharles, CARE Egypt Director, will deliver a message emphasizing “Why We Celebrate Women.

As part of this celebration, there will be a musical and visual programme, in which Angham, best-selling female artist, will surprise the audience with the launch of a song dedicated to Egyptian women. In addition there will be musical performances by Dina Wadidi, Adham El Sayed, Amira Reda, Mariam Ali, Basata band and Mazaher group. The programme also includes short video screenings of UN Women, CARE, White Ribbon Alliance and UNFPA videos with messages on various women's issues on International Women's Day.

For more information, contact Menna Reda Kamel, UN Women Communications and Media Associate, Egypt, mennatallah.kamel[at]unwomen.org, and Hala Youssef, Corporate and External Affairs Manager, CARE Egypt, hyoussef[at]egypt.care.org