2nd Edition of MOMKEN for Her Employment Fair: “It’s Never Too Late”

2nd Edition of MOMKEN for Her Employment Fair: “It’s Never Too Late”

 

The second edition of MOMKEN for Her Employment Fair, held on 10 May 2025 at ITI-Creativa Giza, was a landmark event promoting economic empowerment and inclusive employment for women in Egypt. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the fair attracted over 2,000 participants and featured 12 companies offering more than 80 job opportunities across diverse sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the event’s key highlights, including its focus on accessibility, empowering panels, success stories, and the impact achieved. by Abeer El-leithy

Introduction and Event Overview

The MOMKEN for Her Employment Fair’s theme, “It’s Never Too Late,” emphasised the importance of economic empowerment and inclusive employment for women. The event was proudly supported by 20 sponsoring companies, 2 media partners, and 20 community partners, reflecting a broad coalition committed to advancing women’s workforce participation. A standout feature was the Mentoring Circles led by the Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN), which fostered guidance and networking opportunities, setting a foundation for future editions.

With over 2,000 attendees, the fair provided a platform for women to explore career opportunities, gain insights, and connect with employers. The participation of 12 companies offering 300+ jobs across various sectors demonstrated a strong commitment to bridging the gender employment gap. The event’s collaborative approach underscored the collective effort required to promote women’s economic inclusion in Egypt.

Accessibility and Inclusion: Empowering People with Disabilities

A key focus of this edition was the inclusion of People with Disabilities (PWD) in the workforce, aligned with Egypt’s 5% employment quota law. MOMKEN made significant efforts to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity for PWD candidates. Dedicated job roles were made available specifically for individuals with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to workforce diversity.

Sign language interpretation services were provided throughout the event, ensuring full accessibility for attendees with hearing impairments. Additionally, a pivotal panel titled “Empowering Candidates with Disabilities in the Workforce” addressed actionable strategies for integrating PWD into the job market and emphasised employer responsibility in fostering inclusive workplaces.

MOMKEN’s dedication to creating an inclusive labour ecosystem where all individuals, regardless of physical or sensory ability, can access equal career opportunities was a defining feature of the fair. This focus not only supports legal compliance but also promotes social equity and economic participation for marginalised groups.

Opening and Key Addresses

The fair commenced with a warm Welcome Note by host Lina Ezzat, setting a positive and inclusive tone for the day. The MOMKEN Founders shared heartfelt reflections on the organisation’s journey and mission to dismantle barriers for women in the job market, inspiring attendees with their vision.

A representative from the National Council for Women delivered a powerful address highlighting the critical need for accessible employment initiatives. The council reaffirmed its ongoing support for MOMKEN’s inclusive mission, signalling strong institutional backing for women’s economic empowerment.

A highlight of the event was the keynote talk by Shark Mohamed Farouk, whose impactful and extended speech resonated deeply with the audience. He shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and seizing opportunities, motivating attendees to pursue their career aspirations with confidence and determination.

Key Panels and Sessions

The fair featured 10 engaging panels and 4 inspiring success stories, providing attendees with practical knowledge and motivation. Topics ranged from career transitions and empowerment to leadership and mental toughness, reflecting a holistic approach to women’s professional development.

  • Empowered Transitions: Using confidence, AI, and technology to navigate career changes.
  • اشتري المصري: Promoting Egyptian-made products and supporting women-led local businesses.
  • Backing Her: The role of organisations in fostering inclusive policies and leadership development.
  • انسي عمرك وافتكري حلمك: Motivational session on pursuing dreams regardless of age.
  • Women Leading Change: Female leadership in marketing and technology sectors.
  • Beyond the Ordinary: Success stories in unconventional career paths.
  • Mental Toughness - 3aash Ya wa7sh: Resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
  • Brand You: Crafting a distinctive professional identity.
  • The Career Toolkit: Mastering essential soft skills for workplace success.
  • Empowering Candidates with Disabilities: Inclusive hiring practices and workplace integration.
  • Power Partners: Building networks, mentorship, and professional development foundations.

Success Stories Highlighting Resilience and Transformation

The event showcased moving success stories of women overcoming personal and professional challenges to build fulfilling careers. These narratives served as powerful inspiration for attendees, illustrating the possibilities of career reinvention and empowerment.

Notable among these was Shark Mohamed Farouk’s journey, which offered hope and motivation through his entrepreneurial resilience. Other stories included career returners re-entering the workforce after extended breaks, women making bold pivots into new industries, entrepreneurs launching successful businesses from scratch, and individuals with disabilities breaking barriers and thriving in inclusive workplaces.

These stories underscored the fair’s theme, “It’s Never Too Late,” demonstrating that with determination and support, women can achieve meaningful career success regardless of age, background, or circumstance.

Impact Summary and Government Support

  • Attendees: 2,000+
  • Companies Offering Jobs: 12
  • Total Jobs Offered: 300+
  • PWD-Focused Roles: Available across multiple companies
  • Accessibility: Full-time sign language interpretation
  • Key Themes: Inclusion, Empowerment, Career Reinvention, Mentoring Circles
  • Government Support: Ministry of Social Solidarity, National Council for Women, ITI

The event’s success was bolstered by strong institutional support and community engagement. The Ministry of Social Solidarity and National Council for Women played vital roles in endorsing and supporting the fair’s inclusive mission. The collaboration with ITI further enhanced the event’s reach and impact.

The comprehensive approach to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment demonstrated MOMKEN’s commitment to rewriting the narrative for women and marginalised communities in Egypt’s job market.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

The 2nd Edition of MOMKEN for Her Employment Fair reaffirmed that career dreams do not expire with age, circumstance, or disability. By focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment, MOMKEN is actively reshaping opportunities for women and marginalised groups in Egypt’s labour market.

With robust institutional backing and strong community partnerships, the fair marked a significant step forward in the movement for equal opportunity and economic inclusion. The success of this edition, particularly the Mentoring Circles and PWD initiatives, lays a solid foundation for future growth and impact.

As MOMKEN continues to expand, it will remain dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive labour ecosystem where everyone can access meaningful career opportunities. Truly, “It’s Never Too Late” to pursue one’s professional aspirations.