In Cairo, The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women, headed by Dr. Iman Bibars, held the closing conference for the “Laha wa Maaha” project, which was organized by the association in partnership with the British Embassy in Cairo, in the presence of representatives from international institutions, embassies, national councils, NGOs, and a host of public figures and media professionals.
The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women is an Egyptian non-governmental organization that aims to empower women breadwinners and their families at all levels – economically, socially, educationally, legally, socially, and politically – through an integrated package of programs offered to beneficiaries.
The project focuses on raising awareness among women and girls about their rights, providing them with psychological support, and involving men. It also aims to transform the beneficiaries into natural leaders who pass on what they have learned to others within their communities, thus ensuring the project’s continued impact.
numbers truly reflect impact
During the conference, Dr. Iman Bibars announced the project’s success in reaching 2,538 beneficiaries directly and 17,766 beneficiaries indirectly, through working with 21 partner NGOs in 46 areas across three governorates: Cairo, Fayoum, and Luxor.
Bibars emphasized the association’s pride in its partnership with the British Embassy in Cairo, noting that the project is an important experience, especially as it is the association’s first collaboration in Luxor Governorate, which has contributed to expanding the scope of work in marginalized areas.
Partnership with British Embassy in Cairo
For her part, Rachel Gill, First Secretary for Development at the British Embassy in Cairo, affirmed that the efforts made in a project for her and with her to reach a large number of beneficiaries exceeding the target number represents a great achievement that deserves support, continuation and expansion, stressing that combating violence against women is a basic priority for the British Embassy.
As Hanin Shahin, Gender-Based Violence Advisor and Director of the ISF Program at the British Embassy in Cairo, explained, this event is not the conclusion of a project, but rather the end of its initial phase, noting that the Association for the Advancement and Development of Women will be relied upon to complete the work in confronting violence against women.
In another context, the outcomes of the closing conference of the “Laha wa Maaha” project emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology, but an effective tool for protecting women, as stated in this regard, Dr. Raouf Rushdi, a reproductive health consultant and artificial intelligence researcher, spoke about the importance of employing artificial intelligence technologies in enhancing the safety of women and girls, noting that he launched an initiative aimed at using artificial intelligence to prevent harassment incidents related to smart transportation.
Live testimonials from beneficiaries
The conference also featured several live testimonials from beneficiaries, reflecting the real change the project brought about in their lives and their relationships with their children and husbands. In addition, an exhibition was organized showcasing products made by beneficiaries who had received training through the project’s services, serving as a foundation for their economic empowerment through income-generating projects for themselves and their families.
At the conclusion of the conference, Dr. Iman Bibars presented the shield of The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women to the British Embassy in Cairo, in appreciation of its active partnership in a project for her and with her.
