The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW) is an independent Egyptian organization that works directly with the female heads of households (hereafter referred to as FHHs), their families and lately with the youth in some of the most impoverished squatter areas in Cairo and other governorates. Additionally, ADEW works in 4 other governorates including El-Fayoum, Qalioubiyah, Gharbiya and South Sinai. ADEW’s overall objective is to enhance women’s conditions on both the national and global level.

ADEW was first registered as a non-governmental organization with the Egyptian Ministry of Social Affairs in 1987 under the registration number of 3528, and was re-registered in 2002 under the same number in compliance with the requirements of the new NGO Law 84/2002.

History

ADEW is the first Egyptian feminist organization to work for FHHs and their families in squatter areas. ADEW was founded in 1987 by a group of idealist women and men in their twenties who discovered this cohort of women through their field work in Misr El-Qadima and Mansheiet Nasser. This was the first time a light was shed on the plight of FHHs, specifically FHHs in squatter areas who are considered to be the most marginalized group in society.

Vision

To give women, especially female heads of households, their legal, economic, social, political and cultural rights in order to become full citizens and decision-makers within the family. We also seek to make women equal in rights and duties and to give her the same opportunities offered to men so she can make her own choices.

Mission

To create suitable conditions for Egyptian women especially female heads of households on two levels: personal and societal. On a societal level we seek to change the culture of the community, change laws and policies and change women's image in society and on a personal level we seek to empower women by giving them life skills in various areas through our programs and activities.