CAIRO — Efforts and programs calling for the empowerment of women at all levels, especially the economic level, have become an important part of the statements and plans of international organizations and Egyptian institutions. Hassan Behnam, general manager of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Egypt, delivered a speech on behalf of the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, at “The Points of Views of Francophone Women Around the World” conference held at the library in Alexandria on March 15, saying that the female labor force participation rate in Egypt stands at 35%.

Behnam called on increasing this rate, giving Egyptian women access to equal opportunities and pumping more funds to support women entrepreneurs and women in leadership positions.

These objectives were also highlighted by Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr at the opening speech of the Business Women of Egypt 21’s third annual “Women for Success – Leveraging Women Network to Excel” conference at the premises of the Arab League on Feb. 19.

Nasr announced that a special office will be established at the Ministry of Investment to facilitate the work of Egyptians and Arab businesswomen who wish to establish investment projects in Egypt.