National Guidelines in Egypt - Government

Ministry of Social Affairs

2^nd National Conference on Egyptian Women

The conference adopted recommendations on the inclusion of policies for the advancement of women in the context of preparations for Egypt’s fourth five-year plan for economic and social development. Measures to promote women’s employment and full economic participation are among the recommendations listed.

Fourth Five-Year Plan for Social and Economic Development (1998-2002)

Major goals under the plan which may impact women’s employment include:

1. Expanding employment opportunities and workers' incomes
2. Expanding production in the private sector by 10% a year
3. Putting all children eligible for receiving compulsory education in school
4. Improving the rate of women's participation in the economy and in society
5. Lowering the mortality rates of infants, pregnant women and nursing mothers
6. Decreasing the population growth rate within 5 years, from 1.94% to 1.66%
7. Linking economic development to the international environment

Statement of Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak to Special Session of the General Assembly "Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Centry"

The Statement includes a call for a "Trust Fund for Women or a Global Facility for Women" which would unify global resources for gender issues, and serve as an umbrella organization to institutions/programmes responsible for policy formulation.