Galala University marked International Women’s Day with a campus-wide celebration at Auditorium 1, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, and faculty to spotlight the indispensable role of women in society and to advance a culture of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The event aligned with Egypt’s national vision for women’s empowerment and with Galala University’s commitment to nurturing talent, expanding access to quality education, and removing barriers to participation and leadership.
Distinguished speakers set the tone for a forward-looking conversation. Eng. Hoda Dahroug, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Digital Community Development and Regional Director of the Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development Project, discussed how inclusive digital ecosystems can accelerate women’s participation in the economy—particularly through connectivity, digital literacy, and community-led innovation. Eng. Nelly Hamad, entrepreneur and Founder of High Heels Egyptian Entrepreneurs, reflected on the entrepreneurial journey from idea to market, emphasizing resilience, peer networks, and practical skills such as pitching, customer discovery, and early-stage fundraising. Complementing these perspectives, Ms. Walaa Hassan, a prominent influencer in the entrepreneurship space, highlighted the power of storytelling, mentorship, and public platforms in normalizing women’s success across sectors.
Through inspirational talks and case examples, speakers illustrated how women are shaping the future of innovation and digital transformation in Egypt—whether by founding startups, modernizing SME operations, or leading tech-enabled social enterprises. Panel discussions encouraged students to map their interests to real-world opportunities, from STEM pathways and product design to creative industries and community development. Faculty moderators connected the dialogue to academic practice, underscoring the importance of project-based learning, experiential internships, and cross-disciplinary collaboration that prepare graduates—women and men alike—for meaningful, equitable careers.
The program also reinforced the university’s internal commitments. Participants explored steps to widen participation in leadership programs, boost representation in research teams, and ensure inclusive access to campus facilities, events, and funding opportunities. Career guidance units and student clubs shared information about mentorship circles, internship matching, and entrepreneurship support—inviting attendees to convert inspiration into concrete next steps. The celebration closed with a call to sustain momentum beyond a single day: documenting success stories, measuring progress in participation and leadership, and strengthening external partnerships that open doors for students and graduates.
By centering empowerment, skills, and partnerships, the event advanced several Sustainable Development Goals. It directly supported SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by elevating women’s voices and promoting equal opportunities; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through skills-building and access to learning pathways; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by linking education to employability and entrepreneurship; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing systemic barriers; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by convening government, industry, and community actors to work toward shared outcomes.
