Actress Mona Zaki and key national authorities mark “The Egyptian Girl Celebration" with UNICEF during Gouna Film Festival
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EL GOUNA - 19 October 2021 - Under the auspices and the leadership of the National Council for Women (NCW) and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), UNICEF and partners celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child during the “The Egyptian Girl Celebration, The National Initiative "Dawwie" at El Gouna Festival Plaza, to advocate for girl’s rights and girl’s empowerment in Egypt.
The event witnessed the premier of the movie “It takes a Village” in presence of Dr. Maya Morsy, President of the National Council for Women, Dr. Sahar Sonbaty, Secretary General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, as well as Ms. Nicole Shampaine, Deputy Chief of mission, US Embassy Cairo and Ms. Leslie Reed, Mission Director, USAID in Egypt, Ms. Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt and Actress Mona Zaki, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The short documentary film tells the story of three girls (Alaa, Samaa & Noura) from Egypt with something in common that changed their lives and will be the reason to inspire many others to choose and hold on to their choices. It shows the challenges, the dreams and hopes for all girls in Egypt. The film is directed by Ms. Reem Osama and funded by USAID.
The three girls are participating in the Dawwie national initiative that aims to foster an enabling environment for Egyptian girls, especially the most vulnerable, to achieve their full potential.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador accompanied the girls on a special red-carpet entrance as they actively engaged in the celebration.
Dr. Maya Morsy, President of the National Council for Women said: “There are around 20 million girls under the age of 20 in Egypt and they make up one-fifth of Egypt’s population, Girls possess huge potentials and empowering them improves their lives and the lives of their families. It is an investment for a better future for Egypt.”
Dr. Sahar Sonbaty, Secretary General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood said: “The support to girls, and their empowerment, has many positive effects. For example, violence towards girls is no longer accepted and opportunities for stability and development are increased. This is why programmes like Dawwie are important for the future of girls and the future of Egypt.”
UNICEF Representative in Egypt, Jeremy Hopkins, said: “Evidence shows that when girls have access to relevant skills, information and quality services, and when the community is willing to listen to their opinions and aspirations, the entire family, community and nation benefit from a more equitable and prosperous society. This is what Dawwie is about. Today, more than 100,000 girls have participated in Dawwie programme and with all our partners, NCCM, NCW, UNFPA and UNWomen, we must continue our efforts to fully empower every girl in Egypt.”
Along with the documentary film, professional portraits of the girls were taken by award-winning Egyptian photographer Ahmed Hayman in the girls’ environment with their families and support system. The portraits are displayed at a photo exhibition that runs for the duration of the Festival, till the 22nd of October 2021.
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Notes to Editors
LINK: Download the movie “It takes a Village” trailer here.
LINK: Download pictures of the celebration:
https://bit.ly/3DWSHQW
For more information, please contact:
The National Council for Women
The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/egypt/
