Embracing Diversity: National Inclusion Week in Egypt's GBS and Tech Ecosystem

“The hope of digital, or is it the fear of digital?”

As we conclude the National Inclusion Week we reflect on this profound question posed by Egypt’s Minister of CIT, Dr. Amr Talaat, during his impactful speech at the UN Summit of the Future resonates deeply in the Global South.

In Egypt, the answer is clear: we choose hope. We embrace the boundless opportunities that digital technology offers—bridging gaps, creating jobs, and empowering communities.?

Dr. Talaat emphasized, “The sounds of hope are thunderous,” a sentiment vividly illustrated by the lives of Egyptians transforming through digitalization. From the shores of Alexandria to the temples of Aswan, the narrative of change is unfolding. As we celebrate National Inclusion Week, it is essential to recognize how our commitment to inclusivity not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the entire Global Business Services (GBS) and tech ecosystem.?

Inclusive Initiatives for People with Disabilities?

In Egypt's pursuit of an inclusive digital landscape, significant efforts have been made to empower individuals with disabilities. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to foster inclusivity and enhance digital citizenship.?

Empowering Vulnerable Populations?

One of the primary focuses of these initiatives is to empower vulnerable populations, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt has established several programs to improve access and opportunities for these groups with partnerships across multiple organizations like Helm .

• National Academy of Information Technology for People with Disabilities: This institution is dedicated to training individuals with disabilities, equipping them with essential digital skills to thrive in the workforce. The curriculum emphasizes inclusivity and caters to the diverse needs of learners.?

• Technical Center for Services for People with Disabilities: This center provides specialized services, including enabling individuals with hearing impairments to access emergency services via the "Wasel" application. It focuses on making critical support accessible and user-friendly for all.?

• Accessibility Enhancements: The MCIT is committed to ensuring government websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities, offering technological support and promoting best practices in digital accessibility across all platforms.?

• Taheel Initiative: Central to these efforts is the Taheel initiative, a collaborative project between the MCIT and the Ministry of Social Solidarity - Egypt . Taheel streamlines access to various training and employment services, facilitating meaningful job opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This initiative aims to connect PwDs with suitable employment while emphasizing skill development that aligns with the demands of the digital economy.?

Through these comprehensive efforts, Egypt is making significant progress in creating a more inclusive society, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.?

Advancing Women's Empowerment?

“A mother who left her career to raise her children is now thriving as a remote digital marketing manager for an American company, right here, from Alexandria, thanks to the skills she gained through our free scholarships.”?

The "Rabeha" program, delivered by UN Women , AUC GAPP Executive Education , and the Embassy of Canada | Ambassade du Canada , is a key initiative that supports women's economic empowerment through targeted training and resources. The impact of this program is evident in the stories of women who are breaking barriers in advancing their skills across different governorates in Egypt. The Minister's words reflect the commitment to lifting social restrictions, enabling women to thrive in roles that were once deemed inaccessible.?

Gender Diversity in Egypt’s Workforce?

Gender diversity in Egypt’s workforce is a critical aspect of the nation's digital transformation and economic growth. Egypt upholds a well-balanced gender diversity ratio at the entry level, positioning itself alongside countries like India and the Philippines. While this ratio tends to favor males at higher seniority levels, the Egyptian government is actively addressing this through initiatives such as the National Women Strategy (2030) and partnerships with USAID .?

Leading the way in corporate gender diversity, Dell Technologies Center of Excellence (CoE) in Egypt boasts a near-equal gender participation ratio, with 50% of its full-time equivalents (FTEs) being women. The center is not only maintaining this balance but is also actively involved in upskilling female employees, aiding their career progression, and fostering in-house leaders.?

Highlights:?

• Balanced gender diversity at the entry level.?

• Corporate initiatives, like those by Dell, that support female workforce advancement.?

• Government initiatives to enhance female workforce participation.?

As the GBS and tech sectors continue to grow, the focus on gender diversity becomes increasingly important. This commitment not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also drives innovation and productivity within the workforce. With ongoing efforts to improve gender balance at all levels, Egypt is positioning itself as a model for other nations striving for inclusivity in the digital age.?

Creating Opportunities for All: Hayah Karima Foundation - ????? ???? ?????

“A fresh graduate, once struggling to find employment, reskilled in our data analytics programs and launched a startup serving clients globally, creating jobs for more of his diligent peers.”?

Egypt's mission is clear: to multiply digital skills scholarships, empower over 58 million citizens through expanded fiber optics, and ensure that no one is left behind as the government digitizes its services. Egypt is not only embracing digital technology but is leading the charge for an inclusive, borderless, and hopeful future.?

The Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative epitomizes this commitment by focusing on several key areas, including:?

1. Digital Connectivity: The initiative aims to expand fiber optic networks to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that all Egyptians have access to reliable internet.?
2. Economic Empowerment: By promoting digital literacy through scholarships and training programs, Haya Karima empowers individuals to engage in e-commerce and other digital services, enhancing their personal economic prospects.?

Capacity Building and Talent Development?

“Another young engineer wanted to give back to her village after attending our digital innovation workshops. She founded a successful e-commerce platform that not only supports local artisans but also partners with development organizations to enhance the skills and invest in their local capabilities.”?

This narrative underscores the importance of capacity building in fostering an inclusive tech environment. Initiatives like the Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative (DECI) and the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative- DEBI are instrumental in preparing youth, particularly from marginalized communities, for careers in technology.?

The Egyptian government’s commitment to enhancing digital skills among women is noteworthy. The “Youth Enablement for Freelancing” initiative, which aims to train over 180,000 young individuals, actively includes women and persons with disabilities, highlighting the nation’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities.?

Conclusion: Just in Time for Egypt?

As we reflect on the strides Egypt has made towards inclusivity during National Inclusion Week, it is clear that the nation is on a transformative journey. By prioritizing diversity across all sectors—whether empowering women, enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities, or fostering digital skills among youth—Egypt is laying the groundwork for a robust and inclusive economy.?

These initiatives are not just about fulfilling quotas; they represent a fundamental belief that every individual, regardless of background, can contribute to and benefit from the digital landscape. The commitment to inclusivity aligns seamlessly with Egypt's ambition to position itself as a premier hub for Global Business Services (GBS) and technological innovation.?

As Egypt continues to champion inclusivity through various programs and strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, it is not only shaping a brighter future for its citizens but also enhancing its global standing as a leader in social responsibility.?

With the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society, Egypt is poised to harness the full potential of its diverse workforce. Together, we can drive sustainable growth and ensure that no one is left behind in this digital era. Let us commit to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous Egypt.?

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