Social Solidarity Minister Launches Second Edition of ‘Farhet Masr’ Initiative

Conference reviewing results of the first edition of ‘Farhet Masr’ initiative.

Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity, presided over a comprehensive press conference today to present the outcomes of the first edition of the “Farhet Masr” initiative and to announce the launch of its second edition. The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Intisar El-Sisi, spouse of the President, and attended by several ministry leaders, private sector partners, civil society representatives, media personnel, and public figures.

The Minister honored partners from various NGOs and private sector entities, as well as the initiative’s team. In her address, she expressed gratitude to Mrs. Intisar El-Sisi for her generous support since the initiative’s inception. She also thanked partners from government ministries, the Tahya Misr Fund, Nasser Social Bank, and various NGOs.

Dr. Morsi emphasized that Egypt prioritizes its citizens’ well-being and noted that “Farhet Masr” is not merely an event to be forgotten but a message from the state affirming that celebrating its citizens is a national responsibility. She highlighted that many young people face challenges in starting families due to financial burdens related to housing and societal obligations. This understanding has shaped Egypt’s vision focused on placing human welfare at its core.

The Minister explained that the initiative was guided by political leadership aimed at alleviating citizens’ burdens and involved consultations with civil society organizations. For the first time in Egypt, an electronic system was launched to distribute support vouchers through a social services voucher system. The “Farhet Masr” digital platform was developed by the Support Fund for NGOs, leading to field visits by social protection teams to verify eligibility.

Dr. Morsi detailed that the first edition was built on four key pillars: comprehensive national partnership, digital governance, sustainability assurance, and human dignity respect. She reported that registration was opened for young couples with 32,310 applicants; 2,954 completed their applications and 1,000 couples were selected based on transparent criteria. Among these were 34 individuals with disabilities and 148 orphans.

To ensure fairness in access, over 3,000 field studies were conducted with assistance from social leaders and social units in coordination with official state databases. Support was provided through secure vouchers redeemable at hundreds of outlets nationwide.

In total, there were 36 partners involved in this effort including 13 governmental bodies and 23 NGOs working alongside over 16,500 organizers and volunteers. Notably, local NGOs contributed significantly by providing around 60% of participating brides’ needs.

Moreover, Dr. Morsi mentioned that more than 1,000 wedding dresses were handcrafted by Egyptian artisans in collaboration with Al-Nidaa Foundation. This initiative empowered over 150 women trained in sewing and embroidery skills.

The celebration also included services from local hairdressers who styled brides for their special day while providing job opportunities for those in need. A total of over 46,000 meals were prepared by Al-Mahrousa Restaurant during preparation days and celebrations.

Dr. Morsi highlighted that support extended beyond physical preparations; participants were enrolled in the “Mawada” program aimed at preserving family integrity in Egypt which has trained over 2.2 million citizens since its launch in 2019.

She announced that the second edition of “Farhet Masr” will cover all governorates aiming to assist 8,000 couples from underprivileged families while enhancing partnerships with civil society and private sectors.

The platform will open today year-round at FarhetMasr.CSF.eg for eligible applicants to register while inviting youth and private sector partners to join this initiative aimed at creating joy and building homes.