The Haya Karima Foundation and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Haya Karima Foundation's premises. It aims at enhancing social justice through collaborative efforts to combat child labour, support family units, and empower female entrepreneurship in green economies.
The agreement, establishes a binding framework dedicated to supporting children's rights *to education and development. It seeks to significantly combat child labour, bolster the socio-economic status of families, improve the capabilities of women entrepreneurs engaged in sustainable income-generating activities, and ensure comprehensive social protection.
Throughout such reputable partnership, the primary beneficiaries will include children working in informal sectors, those at risk of dropping out of school, their families, social workers, and female entrepreneurs.
Targeting the most impoverished communities and spreading across Egypt from Sohag to Assiut & Minia, reaching the Greater Cairo, and Alexandria. Moreover, the initiative will expand its emphasis on women's economic empowerment kicking off in Damietta.
Ms. Ohoud Wafi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Haya Karima Foundation, expressed her strong support for the partnership, saying, "Our collaboration with the International Labour Organization marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more just and equitable society. At Haya Karima Foundation, we are unwavering in our commitment to eradicating child labour and empowering families, especially women, through sustainable economic opportunities".
She added "By joining forces with the ILO, we are poised to foster a more inclusive environment that not only safeguards children's rights but also drives socio-economic development in Egypt's most vulnerable communities. Together, we are forging a path toward a brighter future where every child has the chance to thrive, and every woman can make a meaningful contribution to our nation's prosperity."
From his side, Mr. Eric Oechslin, Director of the Cairo office, commended the pioneering presidential initiatives led by his excellency the President Abd el fatah El Sisi in Egypt, highlighting the transformative impact of programmes like Haya Karima national project. He clarified that these initiatives are pivotal in driving social and economic development, fostering community resilience, and improving the quality of life for countless Egyptians.
Mr. Oechslin particularly noted the approach of Haya Karima Foundation that aims to serve the objectives of Haya karima National project specifically; in addressing critical issues such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and women's empowerment, which perfectly aligns with the goals of the International Labour Organization.
He has reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with all national partners involved, underscoring the ILO's mission to provide technical expertise in expanding social protection and increasing awareness among workers. Mr. Eric Oechslin highlighted the importance of a comprehensive, holistic approach to the initiative.
"This partnership represents a pivotal step in accelerating efforts to enhance social justice in Egypt. It aligns with the ILO's ongoing efforts to empower the most vulnerable children, offering them the opportunity to envision a life beyond child labour. By strengthening family units, we also aim to support women entrepreneurs and their vital contributions to the economy, particularly in the realm of green economies," Mr. Eric Oechslin stated.
