The ILO promotes a just transition to gender equality and a green economy in Egypt

To promote gender equality and promote the transition to a green and sustainable economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently organized a two-day workshop in Cairo, Egypt, on the theme of "Equitable Transitions for gender Equality, with a special focus on women's entrepreneurship development." The workshop was part of the project "Advancing the Decent Work Agenda in North Africa" and was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The aim of the conference is to promote Egypt's transition to a green economy by empowering women for entrepreneurship and climate action, and to ensure equity and gender equality.

First, the workshop coincided with the global "16 Days of Action against Gender-based Violence" and drew participation from governments, the private sector, trade unions, academia, civil society, international development partners and expert representatives. This cooperation platform aims to promote the development of a concrete roadmap to achieve a green transition for gender equality. The workshop focused on empowering participants to develop equitable transition strategies that are inclusive and gender-sensitive, in line with ILO guidelines. In particular, the conference highlighted the key role of women entrepreneurship in the green economy and explored the strong link between gender equality, climate action and decent work.

Second, at the opening of the workshop, Eric Oxlin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office, said that just transition and gender equality will lead to a more sustainable future for Egypt. At the same time, Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt, and Dr. Mohamed Gobran, Minister of Labor, also delivered recorded messages. In his speech, Dr. Al Mashat stressed that green transformation is not only a necessary measure to combat climate change, but also an important way to promote social equity and environmental sustainability. "We now have a unique opportunity to shape a fair and environmentally sustainable future," she said, "and green transformation is vital to our collective future, ensuring that no one is left behind." Women need to not only be part of this process, but also leaders, innovators and agents of change." Al Mashat also described the Egyptian government's efforts to promote female entrepreneurship, especially in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and waste management that are critical to the green transition. The Egyptian government's "Gender Equality Stamp" program from 2022, which draws on the model of the World Bank, has been implemented within the National Council for Women to ensure the sustainability of this measure. So far, 13 private companies have received the certification, and others have expressed a desire to participate in the initiative.

In conclusion, ILO Director General Eric Oxlin reiterated the organization's strong support for a just transition in Egypt. "The ILO shares the strategic objectives of the Egyptian government to achieve a just transition, particularly under the policy framework of Egypt Vision 2030, the National Climate Change Strategy and the National Smart Green Project Initiative," he said. The ILO will continue to support the achievement of these goals through concrete projects and initiatives." Oxlin stressed that gender-sensitive and just transitions are not only key to advancing social equity, but also a core element of sustainable development in Egypt. The ILO will continue to work with all parties to advance the twin goals of green transition and gender equality.

In summary, the ultimate goal of the workshop is to provide a clear guide to action to promote gender equality in Egypt's green transition. A clear roadmap is expected on how the principles of gender equality will be integrated into national policies and implemented in all areas of the green economy. In addition, the conference will provide a broad platform for stakeholders to work together to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promote gender equality in the green economy. The workshop not only deepened understanding of the links between gender equality, climate change and labor rights, but also increased awareness of the central role of women in driving the green transition. By putting their minds together, participants pledged to continue working towards a greener, fairer future and to ensure that all benefit from this transition, with women in particular able to play a greater role as key agents of change.