Egypt
Across Egypt, Diakonia prioritizes support for gender justice and inclusive development. Our partner organizations work to advance women’s rights, challenge discriminatory norms, and promote equal opportunities, with a focus on marginalized groups, including people with disabilities.
Evolving Realities Since the Arab Spring
Since 2011, Egypt has undergone significant political and social changes, yet challenges remain in advancing human rights, democracy, and gender equality. While initial demands for reform gained momentum, restrictions on freedoms, economic hardships, and social inequalities have persisted. The political landscape remains tightly controlled, limiting space for civil society and feminist movements.
Egypt: The Most Populated Country in the Arab Region
With a population exceeding 100 million, Egypt remains the most populous country in the Arab world. Despite its middle-income status, economic disparities are stark. Inflation, rising costs of living, and high unemployment continue to deepen social inequalities. Women face systemic discrimination across all sectors, with limited access to leadership positions and economic opportunities. Gender-based violence, including harassment and domestic violence, remains widespread.
Difficult situation for civil society
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Egypt operate under increasing restrictions. Government regulations, funding limitations, and surveillance hinder advocacy and rights-based work. Since 2017, legal and bureaucratic barriers have further constrained feminist organizations and human rights groups. Many international NGOs have scaled back operations or exited Egypt due to these challenges.
Focus on vulnerable groups
Diakonia focuses on supporting the most marginalized groups in Egypt:
- Women and girls
- Youth
- People with disabilities
Together with local partners, Diakonia works to challenge discriminatory norms, strengthen feminist movements, and advocate for legal and policy reforms. By fostering gender justice, inclusive governance, and social equity, we aim to create lasting change in Egypt.
Goal: Advancing Gender Justice in Egypt
Diakonia and its partners work to dismantle structural gender inequalities and promote a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights and opportunities. Through legal advocacy, community engagement, capacity-building, and cybersecurity initiatives for women, we aim to strengthen protection against gender-based violence (GBV), both online and offline. By addressing digital threats, legal barriers, and societal norms, we empower women to participate safely and equally in all aspects of life.
For more information
E-mail: lamis.adel@diakonia.se
