Women attend training under the EU-supported “Equal Opportunities and Social Development” activities

In one of the villages outside Cairo, Wafaa M. signed up for a local training for persons with disabilities. “I was always told I can never survive on my own,” Wafaa said, recalling the moment she set out to prove her disability did not define her.

Wafaa is one of 12 million people living with disabilities in Egypt. The European Union (EU) in Egypt holds inclusion and accessibility high across all areas of our work, including gender equality, education and skills, energy and migration.

Through the EU-supported “Equal Opportunities and Social Development” programme, working across nine governorates, 89 Civil Society Organisations received technical capacity building. 52,000 women and men were reached through training and awareness raising in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Fayoum, Sohag, Assiut, Qena, Aswan, Port Said and the Red Sea.

The activities focus on the participation of young people in society, especially persons with disabilities, through inclusive engagement methods, sports and art-based capacity building and exchanging on social topics like gender equality. 

Under this initiative, Wafaa found a safe space to share her experience and learn about societal roles, participation and community leadership. 

“Even the way people look at me doesn’t shake me anymore. This experience showed me what I’m capable of.” Today, Wafaa walks with more confidence and speaks with newfound clarity.

The EU in Egypt is committed to improve the social and economic situation of persons with disabilities, leaving no one behind. This comes through various initiatives, including strengthening the National Council for Persons with Disabilities human and institutional capacity, coaching and personal development in migration-affected areas, capacity-building activities for young men and women and enhanced accessibility in infrastructure projects.