US Chargé d’affaires Evyenia Sidereas Speaks About The Role of Egyptian Women at SheArts Graduation Performance

 

 

 

"Thanks so much for joining us today to celebrate International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women's accomplishments in all fields. It's such a special honor to be here at the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the most beautiful spaces in Egypt. It's an honor to join you here this evening and lend my voice to the celebration. I assure you, I'll leave the singing to our talented artists who are about to grace the stage with their inspired vocals and a truly impressive musical arrangement. But I want to take a few moments to speak about why this initiative is so important to my colleagues and I at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo" Sidereas said at the beginning of her speech.

 

 

 

Sidereas further explained that women do so much for Egypt and have proudly taken the lead at critical junctures in Egyptian history, but too often, the door is closed to women seeking a career in music or seeking a career in the arts.

 

 

 

"Because of this, we have been delighted to witness this partnership between the Nvak Foundation and SheArts to provide a pivotal platform for the promising Egyptian graduates of the Musheqa program. I never knew this, but I learned from my colleagues, Om Kalthoum's father used to dress her in disguise so she could perform on stage with her brother and the men as part of their musical ensemble. This is a remarkable origin story for the woman who would one day sell more than 80 million records and become a global icon, not just an Egyptian star, but a global icon. And yet, despite Oum Kalthoum's legacy, access to the Egyptian stage remains out of reach for many talented female performers" Sidereas added.

 

In response, the partnership between Nevak and SheArts is not only about breaking glass ceilings but about building a strong foundation upon which women artists can thrive.

 

 

The US Chargé d’affaires said that the 40 women who performed on the stage, along with Tablet El-Set, represent the passion and positivity she has seen captured in so many faces in this room.

 

"This evening's performance represents the power of creativity and inspiration and self-expression my colleagues and I at the embassy can think of no better way to celebrate Egyptian friendship and celebrate International Women's Day than in this type of celebration showcasing our mutual respect and trust."

 

 

Sidereas said that the U.S. government is committed to partnering with the Egyptian government to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce gender disparities, and empower women in line with Egypt's Vision 2030.

 

 

 

"For example, we work with both the Egyptian government and the private sector and local communities to improve the work environment for women, expand access to banking and non-banking financial services, and reduce the socio-economic impacts of violence against women and girls. As one of our speakers noted this evening, we're looking for ways to expand our ability to do this work in the informal economy as well as the formal economy across Egypt. We provide scholarships to talented women from underserved communities across Egypt to study fields contributing to sustained economic growth and development in Egypt's best universities."

 

 

The U.S. government also supports female entrepreneurs through partnerships with business incubators and accelerators, entrepreneurship networks, and business development service centers to provide women with the skills, resources, and networks they need to start their businesses and scale up their businesses.

 

 

 

"We are honored to partner with Egypt in these efforts to advance gender equality and the creation of a more inclusive society and a stronger Egypt for future generations.Please join me in offering the first of many rounds of applause this evening to celebrate the talent, creativity, and strength of these performers. Thank you, and I wish you all a happy Ramadan. I can't help but wish you all the best" the US Chargé d’affaires Evyenia Sidereas said at the end of her speech.