The Appropriate Communication Techniques for Development - ACT Egypt Association launches a field project within the framework of the pilot action of mobilization of gender equality actors at local level led in 2015. This action was realized in the South of the governorate of Giza and concerned women’s political participation in marginalized communities. It was implemented through a participative research and consultations made by local actors.

The analysis showed that the weak participation of women in the parliamentary life, whether deputies, candidates or electors, can be explained by numerous factors:

- The lack of procedures and clear programs of governmental authorities and political parties to promote women’s participation

- The chauvinist social customs and traditions, specifically the refusal of this participation by the men and the absence of family support

- The incapacity of the women to assume the financial cost of a candidacy in the elections

- The lack of political and legal culture, as several women are not aware of their electoral weight and their capacity to directly contribute to public life.

In order to face this situation, the project of ACT Egypt plans training and raising awareness activities to women. This contributes to make them understand the importance of their political participation within their communities. Furthermore, several activities directed to men are planned to encourage them supporting women’s political participation. The project will involve several associations, media and local authorities. It should also directly mobilize more than 200 people in the communities of Hawamdia, Badrachine, Abou Numrus.

This project aims at contributing to a real political awareness and follows the mission of the Foundation to encourage women’s empowerment. It is one of fieldwork projects developed within the framework of the 1st cycle of the Axis 1 "Strengthening the capacity of the actors working for equality" of the project “Women for the future in the Mediterranean”, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (MAEDI) and the project "Developing Women Empowerment" labeled by the Union for the Mediterranean.