Protection and Access to Rights for Mothers and Children in Street Situation” Conference Launches in Cairo

Samusocial International Egypt (SSIEG) hosted the conference “Protection and Access to Rights for Mothers and Children in Street Situation”, marking an important milestone in strengthening collective efforts to protect and support mothers and children living in vulnerable street situation in Egypt.

Organized with the support of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, and in collaboration with technical partners Shamseya and Tadwein, the conference brought together institutional representatives, development partners, NGOs, and decision-makers to exchange perspectives and advance coordinated action around the protection and access to rights of mothers and children in street situation.

The conference was held within the framework of the project “Sheltering Street Children – Protection of Vulnerable Children and Youth in Street Situation in Cairo”, implemented by Samusocial International Egypte. As part of the project activities, SSIEG commissioned a legal and institutional study conducted by Shamseya to strengthen understanding of the legal framework governing the rights of vulnerable mothers and children.

The study explored several key areas, including:
* Legislation and administrative procedures related to obtaining birth certificates, with specific focus on the “newborn delivery notice” issued by hospitals;
* Access to public maternal and child healthcare services, including pre- and post-natal care, vaccination, and infant health monitoring;
* Legal protection mechanisms and access to protection services for underage mothers;
* Alternative care systems and procedures for children at risk within their family environments.

The findings and recommendations of the study were announced during a seminar held on 6 May 2026, which gathered professionals and NGOs working with vulnerable girls and women and included technical discussions around the feasibility and implementation of the recommendations, helping shape a collective advocacy vision later presented during the conference to policymakers and institutional stakeholders.

During the conference, Shamseya presented the study’s main findings and recommendations, highlighting existing legal and administrative challenges faced by mothers and children in street situation and proposing pathways for more inclusive and protective responses.

Another key component of the project focused on addressing stigma and perceptions surrounding girls and young mothers in street situation. For this purpose, SSIEG partnered with Tadwein, a consultancy specialized in gender issues, to support SSIEG teams and partner organizations in strengthening gender-sensitive approaches and challenging harmful stereotypes.
Tadwein’s intervention included assessing participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to gender and social stigma, followed by the development of a tailored support plan aimed at improving intervention strategies and awareness-raising methodologies. The initiative also sought to better equip professionals working directly with girls and young mothers to promote dignity, inclusion, and rights-based approaches within Egyptian society.

During the conference, Tadwein shared the outcomes of this journey, presenting the evolution of participants’ perspectives and the tools developed to support long-term institutional and societal change.

The conference also highlighted Samusocial International Egypte’s interventions and services dedicated to women and young mothers in street situation, while addressing ongoing challenges and future strategic priorities to ensure more comprehensive protection and support mechanisms.
Ambassador Eric Chevalier, French Ambassador to Egypt, said: “France remains deeply committed to supporting human rights, social inclusion and gender equality through its feminist diplomacy.Thank you Samusocial teams for your remarkable work on the ground”

Mrs. Sophie VANHAEVERBEKE, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Egypt, stated: “Supporting vulnerable people, especially women and children, is an integral part of the European Union’s policy and its collaboration with the Egyptian government. The EU remains committed to supporting national efforts in addressing these recommendations through evidence-based studies and contributing to their effective implementation.”

Layla Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: ”For 25 years, the Sawiris Foundation has supported vulnerable children, especially those without parental care, as part of its commitment to strengthening social protection in Egypt. When we talk about children in street situations, we must remember that girls and young mothers face even greater exclusion and harsher challenges. This event is a call for collective action to strengthen collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners, while ensuring that no child, girl, or young mother is left behind
Géraldine Tawfik, Country Representative of Samusocial International Egypt, commented:
“We dream of a day without children and youth in street situation, a day where every girl and woman feels seen and respected. I believe that if we are to achieve this, we can only do so together, and one day we will celebrate a reality in which every woman and child in vulnerable situation feels recognized, respected, and supported.”