Ashraf AboArafe
On the occasion of World Water Day 2026, the European Union Delegation to Egypt, in cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, is organizing a roundtable titled “Dialogue with Women.” The event aims to bring together aspiring female entrepreneurs working in the water sector. It is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, as part of the global celebration of World Water Day under the theme “Equality in the Water Sector.”
The initiative highlights the growing role of women in sustainable water management and environmental innovation, while opening new opportunities for women to contribute to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt and the League of Arab States, emphasized that World Water Day 2026 reminds us that water outcomes improve when women have equal voices and equal opportunities to lead. She added that empowering women is not only a matter of fairness and necessity but also a key driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term prosperity, which are essential for Egypt’s future and the sustainability of its natural resources.
In this context, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will launch a new initiative titled “Ward Al-Khair” (Water Hyacinth Initiative), supported by the European Union. The initiative aims to remove the harmful water hyacinth plant from the Nile River while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for women.
Through professional training programs, participating women will learn how to transform water hyacinth into environmentally friendly and marketable products. This invasive plant blocks sunlight, clogs waterways, and contributes to significant water loss.
Dr. Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, stated that the initiative not only promotes social inclusion but also addresses environmental challenges and contributes to the development of a green economy. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to access financing and establish small enterprises focused on recycling water hyacinth, the program enables participants to secure sustainable livelihoods and support their families.
He noted that this integrated approach delivers multiple benefits, including protecting water resources, empowering women economically, and safeguarding the environment.
About!
Water remains a key priority in the cooperation between Egypt and the European Union, particularly within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Through the EU–Egypt Water Partnership, the European Union continues to support Egypt’s water sector, focusing on improving services, enhancing sustainability, and strengthening resilience.
Since 2007, the EU has contributed approximately €600 million in grants to Egypt’s water sector, helping mobilize investments of nearly €3.5 billion. Around 25 million people have benefited from these efforts through expanded water networks and improved treatment capacities.
The European Union is also actively promoting gender equality in Egypt through targeted initiatives such as the EU–Egypt “Tamkeen” Program, valued at €10 million, which aims to strengthen women’s social and economic empowerment and enhance their participation in leadership roles and the workforce.
As Egypt faces a complex set of challenges—including regional instability, severe water scarcity, and economic fluctuations—women’s economic empowerment becomes more important than ever. Expanding opportunities for women in sectors such as water management and green entrepreneurship is vital to strengthening resilience and supporting Egypt’s path toward sustainable development.
