The Unit of Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality

Participation of the Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality Unit at Misr University for Science and Technology in the Eighth Annual Meeting of Anti-Violence Units at Egyptian Universities

The National Council for Women, in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized the activities of the eighth annual meeting of Anti-Violence Units at universities on December 9, 2025, at the Pyramisa Hotel in Dokki, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The event was attended by a distinguished group of leaders and officials.

Participants included Dr. Nesreen El-Baghdady, Vice President of the National Council for Women; Prof. Dr. Heba Nassar, Head of the Economic and Political Studies Sector Committee at the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Shaimaa Naeem, Director General of the General Administration for Strategy and the official responsible for Anti-Violence Units at universities; Ms. Sally Zehni, Women’s Programs Manager at UNFPA; and Ms. Mona Salem, National Coordinator of the Units. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Abeer Abu El-Ela, Director General of the Research and Studies Department at the Council; Ms. Hanaa Mahmoud, lawyer at the Women’s Complaints Office; and Ms. Hala El-Amin, Director of the Equal Opportunities Committee at the Ministry of Higher Education, in addition to representatives from the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministries of Interior, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Church, and several Egyptian universities.

The speeches delivered by participating leaders emphasized the pivotal role of Anti-Violence Units within universities in establishing a safe educational environment free from violence and discrimination. Dr. Nesreen El-Baghdady stressed that these units represent the first line of defense within university campuses, highlighting the need to develop reporting mechanisms and strengthen awareness efforts. Institutional interventions also underscored the seriousness of cybercrimes and the importance of reporting them to the Internet Investigations Department, as well as the role of religious and community institutions in correcting misconceptions, combating violence, and providing family counseling.

Participants reviewed efforts to establish and activate university units, the growing challenges related to digital violence, and successful university models and experiences in violence prevention. These included awareness campaigns, student initiatives, inclusive educational materials in sign language and Braille, and programs aimed at empowering female students and supporting persons with disabilities. The meeting also introduced the mechanisms of the Women’s Complaints Office and its hotline (15115), in addition to screening a documentary film and showcasing an exhibition of products from the Egyptian Family Development Project.

In this context, Misr University for Science and Technology made a notable contribution reflecting its commitment to equality and the prevention of violence on campus. The university was represented by the Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality Unit, along with a female student volunteer who delivered an official speech before the audience. The student presented a comprehensive overview of the unit’s role in raising awareness about violence against women, the awareness tools adopted—such as brochures, bookmarks, and educational media materials—and the services provided by the unit to survivors of violence, including initial psychological support, counseling and follow-up, provision of legal information, and referral to relevant protection entities.

The university’s participation was well received by attendees, reflecting its ongoing efforts to promote a culture of safety and to build a supportive university environment free from violence and discrimination.