Under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Farag El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, and in preparation for the annual 16-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (running from November 25 to December 10), the university’s Women’s Empowerment and Equal Opportunity Unit held its second coordination meeting at the university’s main administration headquarters. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Nasser Abdelbary, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs and General Supervisor of the Unit, with participation from Dr. Rania Azmy, Director of the Women’s Empowerment and Equal Opportunity Unit, members of the unit, and the student team affiliated with it. The meeting focused on planning the activities and events to be carried out by the university during the campaign period.
Dr. El-Kased emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at empowering women and protecting them from all forms of violence, in line with the directives of national leadership to build a society founded on justice and equality. He highlighted the university’s strong focus on women’s issues, whether concerning female students, faculty members, or staff, and noted that the Women’s Empowerment Unit implements programs and initiatives that raise societal awareness on women’s rights and promote a culture of mutual respect and equal opportunities.
The president noted that Menoufia University is keen to actively participate in the United Nations’ annual 16-Day Campaign, pointing out that this year’s activities will include a series of awareness and community engagement initiatives reflecting the university’s educational and societal role. He stressed that combating violence against women is a social and ethical responsibility requiring collective effort, and that the university remains a model in supporting values of equality, respect, and empowerment.
Dr. Nasser Abdelbary highlighted the educational role of the Women’s Empowerment Unit in supporting and empowering women, noting that student participation in the campaign serves as a practical model for activating university-youth partnerships in serving societal causes. He added that these initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on achieving gender equality, and emphasized that the university strives to maintain a safe educational environment free from discrimination or violence.
Dr. Rania Azmy presented details of this year’s “You Are Safe” initiative, a central part of the campaign aimed at raising awareness of women’s rights on campus and beyond, promoting their social and economic empowerment, and informing students about available legal protections and psychological and social support. The presentation included an operational plan featuring awareness seminars in faculties, interactive workshops, art exhibitions, and field campaigns engaging directly with students and the local community.
The meeting also finalized the campaign’s schedule, assigned implementation and media responsibilities, and coordinated with faculties and university departments to ensure effective execution of activities. Emphasis was placed on media documentation of the events and community engagement through field campaigns and partnerships to promote the campaign’s message under the slogan: “Together Against Violence… For a Safe Future for Women.”