US Deputy Chief of Mission Dorothy Shea joined Giza Governor Mohamed Kamal El Daly to inaugurate the first community hub for women and girls in Imbaba, as part of the Safe Cities programme, according to a Sunday press statement from the US Embassy in Egypt.
“The United States is committed to supporting the Government of Egypt’s efforts to ensure that women and girls are socially, economically, and politically empowered in public spaces” said Shea, adding that the US is working in partnership with Egypt to support safe cities.
“We work to create an Egypt that says no to sexual harassment and yes to safe cities,” said Shea in the statement.
The statement added that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with UN Women to end violence against women and girls by combating sexual harassment, promoting legislative reforms, and improving support mechanisms for survivors of violence against women.
The statement noted that the Safe Cities programme is strengthening the capacity of public institutions and community service organisations to provide safe spaces for women and girls, as well as victim services such as shelters and legal support.
In order to change perceptions of violence against women, the project supports advocacy efforts and uses innovative awareness-raising tools such as interactive community theatre, storytelling, and art to promote a culture of zero-tolerance for violence against women and a culture of responsibility towards the survivors of this abuse.
The statement added that the USAID has worked with Egyptians for nearly 40 years to improve their quality of life. The Safe Cities programme is part of the $30bn aid that the American people have invested in Egypt through the USAID since 1978.
