MCIT Showcases Inclusive Digital Empowerment Efforts at AFOWD Regional Conference 2025
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) participated in the Fifth Regional Conference of the Arab Forum of Women with Disabilities (AFOWD), held on November 17–18 in Cairo. The event was organized by the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) in collaboration with the League of Arab States (LAS) and several partners, and brought together representatives from international and regional organizations, alongside experts and specialists in disability issues and gender equality.
The conference was held as part of regional and international efforts to support the rights of women and girls with disabilities. It served as a key platform for highlighting the Arab and regional commitment to promoting equality, advancing inclusion, and empowering women with disabilities across political, economic, and social spheres.
During the event, MCIT participated in the third plenary session, which focused on making use of technology and innovation to enhance accessibility and inclusion for girls and women with disabilities. The Ministry showcased national policies aimed at promoting safe digital access for everyone, and outlined the national strategy for digital transformation and digital empowerment for all segments of society, particularly youth and women with disabilities.
MCIT’s contribution highlighted efforts to advance digital accessibility, develop assistive technologies, expand skills-development programs, and create new pathways for economic and social participation. It also outlined key national initiatives such as the National Academy of Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities (NAID) and the National Network for PWD Services (Taheel), and the support they provide through training, innovation opportunities, and assistive technology tools, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The discussion further emphasized Egypt’s central role in promoting inclusive digital transformation and ensuring a safe and equitable technological environment.
The event agenda emphasized the importance of engaging women with disabilities in designing technical solutions, developing training programs, enhancing digital protection, and implementing universal accessibility standards across digital infrastructure. Discussions focused on key strategic priorities, most notably strengthening the political participation of women with disabilities within the framework of the 30-year review of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30). The sessions also addressed enhancing women’s role in regional dialogue and exchange of practices, addressing gaps in representation and participation, fostering effective partnerships between governments and regional and international organizations, and aligning national strategies with SDGs and international conventions.
The conference also featured workshops on political participation, economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, social inclusion, and technology accessibility. It concluded by underscoring the commitment of Arab states and participating entities to advancing the rights of women and girls with disabilities and investing in technology and innovation as essential enablers for building a more just and inclusive future for women and girls with disabilities across the Arab region.