Cairo Conference Highlights Protection and Rights Access for Mothers and Children in Street Situations
Samusocial International Egypt hosted a major conference in Cairo under the title “Protection and Access to Rights for Mothers and Children in Street Situation,” bringing together government representatives, development organizations, NGOs, and social protection experts to strengthen coordinated efforts supporting vulnerable mothers and children living in street situations across Egypt.
The conference was organized with the support of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, Agence Française de Développement, and Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, in collaboration with technical partners Shamseya and Tadwein.
The event formed part of the project “Sheltering Street Children – Protection of Vulnerable Children and Youth in Street Situation in Cairo,” implemented by Samusocial International Egypt to support vulnerable children, young mothers, and women facing social and economic exclusion.
A central focus of the conference was the presentation of a legal and institutional study commissioned by Samusocial and conducted by Shamseya, examining the legal framework governing the rights of vulnerable mothers and children in Egypt.
The study addressed several key issues, including legislation and administrative procedures related to obtaining birth certificates, access to maternal and child healthcare services, legal protection mechanisms for underage mothers, and alternative care systems for children at risk within unstable family environments.
The findings and recommendations were first introduced during a technical seminar held on May 6, which gathered NGOs and professionals working with vulnerable girls and women to discuss practical implementation mechanisms and develop a collective advocacy framework later presented during the Cairo conference.
During the event, Shamseya highlighted major legal and administrative barriers faced by mothers and children in street situations while proposing more inclusive and protective policy responses aimed at improving access to rights and essential services.
Another major component of the initiative focused on addressing social stigma and harmful perceptions surrounding girls and young mothers living in vulnerable street situations.
To support this effort, Samusocial partnered with Tadwein to strengthen gender-sensitive approaches among professionals and partner organizations working directly with vulnerable girls and young mothers.
The initiative included assessments of participants’ perceptions and attitudes toward gender and social stigma, followed by the development of customized support and awareness programs designed to promote dignity, inclusion, and rights-based intervention approaches.
During the conference, Tadwein presented the outcomes of its engagement, showcasing shifts in institutional understanding and practical tools designed to support long-term social and organizational change.
The conference also shed light on Samusocial International Egypt’s ongoing interventions and services dedicated to women and young mothers in street situations, while discussing future priorities for expanding protection systems and improving access to social and healthcare services.
Eric Chevalier reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting human rights, social inclusion, and gender equality through what he described as France’s feminist diplomacy, praising the work carried out by Samusocial teams on the ground.
Meanwhile, Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Egypt, stressed that supporting vulnerable women and children remains a core pillar of EU cooperation with Egypt, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based studies and collaborative implementation efforts.
Layla Hosny, Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, highlighted the foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable children and strengthening social protection mechanisms in Egypt, noting that girls and young mothers in street situations often face deeper exclusion and harsher social challenges.
For her part, Géraldine Tawfik, Country Representative of Samusocial International Egypt, said the organization envisions a future where every vulnerable woman and child feels recognized, respected, and fully supported within society.
The conference concluded with calls for stronger cooperation between government institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners to create more inclusive protection frameworks and ensure that vulnerable mothers and children are not left behind amid ongoing social and economic challenges.
