In Egypt, 12 percent of the population is employed, with a disproportionate share of women among their number. Only about two-thirds of women are literate. Women need opportunities to take ownership of their future and to become active problem solvers.

Aiming to empower young talented women to achieve more through technology, UNDP has partnered with Microsoft and the National Council for Women to launch the first Social Innovation Hubs for Women in Cairo and Ismailia, with a third hub planned for Alexandria.

The hubs aim to promote social innovation and entrepreneurship by young women, by helping women build computer skills and develop social impact projects and income-generating opportunities.

At the launch event for the hub in Cairo, Microsoft General Manager for Egypt Khaled Abd El Kader said, “We will continue to ask ourselves what are the challenges facing Egyptians, how can technology help, and what is the contribution Microsoft can make?”

“We are keen to create economic opportunities for women in Egypt,” said Effat El Shooky, Director of the Woman to Work National Initiative at the National Council for Women. “Our Cooperation with Microsoft aims at developing and fostering woman social entrepreneurs in technology across Egypt.”

At the same launch event, UNDP Egypt Country Director Ignacio Artaza said, "We are proud to launch the first women innovation and entrepreneur hub in partnership with Microsoft and the National Council for Women, and looking to replicate this successful initiative across Egypt and the Middle East. Our long-term partnership with Microsoft aims at leveraging technology to address societal challenges leading to sustainable development."