Women account for one-third of workforce in Egypt: El-Ghazaly

Women represent 22.9% of workforce in Egypt, according to latest statistics, says El-Ghazaly

Zeinab El-Ghazaly, member of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association and head of the women’s committee of the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association, said on the occasion of Labour Day, which was on Tuesday, that the percentage of female workers in Egypt witnessed a remarkable increase, pointing out that women account for one-third of the workforce in Egypt.

She explained that according to the latest statistics of the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics, women represent about 22.9% of the workforce in Egypt, compared to 73.4% for men.

El-Ghazaly pointed out that women in Egypt occupy six ministerial portfolios. There are also 89 female deputies in the House of Representatives, including 75 deputies elected and 14 appointed, in addition to many role models of leading Egyptian women in business and in various government and university positions.

She assured that the role of working Egyptian women is effective and important in achieving economic and societal development, noting that working women deserve appreciation and recognition.

“Working women are writing a new history and presenting a unique model in Arab and international labour circles, due to their responsibility and their ability to withstand difficulties and work hard for a better future,” she stressed.

After years of women facing struggles at work, in the 21st century, they gained greater rights in the workplace, including reducing working hours for pregnant women, taking accrued time off including maternity leave, childcare, and other rights, as well as the existence of articles on improving their status in the law and the constitution.

 

Source :  Daily News Egypt

No hidden chamber exists inside Tutankhamun’s tomb: study

The Ministry of Antiquities announced on Sunday, after months of intensive geophysics studies, that a survey has revealed there is no hidden chamber inside Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, according to Moustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The three-month studies were conducted by a mission from …

The Ministry of Antiquities announced on Sunday, after months of intensive geophysics studies, that a survey has revealed there is no hidden chamber inside Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, according to Moustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The three-month studies were conducted by a mission from the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy. The mission announced its results on Sunday in a presentation held as a part of the fourth International Tutankhamun Conference, taking place at the Grand Egyptian Museum, entitled Tutankhamun: Weapons and Statues.

Waziri also asserted in a press release that the mission delivered its report to the Permanent Committee for Ancient Egyptian Antiquities, in which they confirmed that there is no proof or even indicators of any existing chamber inside the tomb.

The report states, Waziri said, that there are no steps, passageways, or doorframes, which goes against the assumptions of any undiscovered attached rooms or voids behind the funeral chamber the king was buried at.

The survey, built on vertical and horizontal axes, assured that there is no existing chamber in the tomb.

“It is concluded, with a very high degree of confidence, that the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamun’s tomb is not supported by the GPR data,” Francesco Porcelli, a member of the mission, said in the report, according to Ahram Online.

The third survey put an end to the controversial theory stated by British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves in 2015 that suggested that Queen Nefertiti might be buried in a chamber behind Tutankhamun’s burial chamber.

The first survey conducted stated that there was about a 95% chance there might be a doorway and a hall behind the burial chamber. However, it was contradicted by the second one, conducted by an American scientific team from National Geographic, which stated that there is no such chamber.

To reach a conclusion, Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anany discussed the issue at the second International Tutankhamun Conference, which took place in 2016. It was attended by archaeology pioneers, who, with the minister, decided a third survey was needed.   

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 Source :  Daily News Egypt

Egypt’s 2006 football generation was the best: Abo Rida

I hope to see national team in World Cup’s Round of 16, says Abo Rida

Hany Abo Rida was born in 1953 in Port Said. He used to play football for Al-Masry SC until he was seriously injured and retired early. Abo Rida graduated with a degree in engineering. During the 1980s, he took over the football management of Port Said city. In 1991, Abo Rida joined the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). He was elected for three sessions as its treasurer until 2003.

In 2004, Abo Rida joined the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He showed great capability in the African arena and eventually headed the marketing committee of CAF. The general assembly of the CAF reelected Abo Rida as a member of its executive committee until 2011.

In 2009, he was elected as a member of FIFA’s executive committee (currently known as FIFA Council) and supervised some FIFA sporting events, including the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. In 2016, Abo Rida became the president of the EFA, receiving the largest share of votes in the EFA election. Under the leadership of Abo Rida, Egypt qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a 28-year absence.

Daily News Egypt sat down with Abo Rida for an interview, the transcript for which is below, lightly edited for clarity.

Can you tell us about your childhood and football career?
I grew up in an affluent family residing in Port Said. I am the youngest of my seven brothers and one daughter. I played football for Al-Masry and Zamalek for a short time until the six-day war.

How did you start your management career and join the EFA?

I opened my own business when I was young, and then I was enrolled in military service in 1975, when I met Ghazl El Mahalla’s star Mohamed Al-Sayaghi. Then, I met Mahmoud Al-Gohary and a strong friendship formed between us. After the 1990 World Cup, I was asked to join the EFA’s management council of the Suez Canal and Port Said region. Afterwards, I joined the EFA Competition Committee under the leadership of Harb Al-Dahshoury, Samir Zaher, and Hamada Emam. I was elected as EFA member and treasurer under Al-Dahshouri, and then vice president of EFA under Zaher. I am now the president of the EFA. I advise everyone who aims to take over major positions to gradually proceed in public work to increase their experience. There are many things that bothered me about Egyptian football and I hope to change them during my term in office.

What are these things?
The Egyptian national team used to stay at the EFA’s headquarters during its training sessions, but now they can stay in hotels or accommodations dedicated to housing the team during such periods. The stadiums which hosted the team’s training sessions were also poor and not appropriate for that purpose. Therefore, the EFA began to develop stadiums and the infrastructure of sports centres in coordination with concerned state institutions.

Do you intend to run for the CAF presidency?
It all depends on my health status when the election is held in 2021. I love to succeed wherever I go, but when it comes to my duty to represent Egypt, everything can be considered.

When can Egypt host the Africa Cup of Nations again?
Egypt is always ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations. The next championship will be held in Cameroon in 2019, the 2021 edition will be in Cote d’Ivoire and the 2023 edition in Guinea, so we can compete to win the hosting of the 2025 edition.

You supervised several of Egypt’s national teams over the years, what was that like?
I think I succeeded in this mission and I am happy to make achievements with Egypt’s various football generations that have influenced the local sport. The 1973 and 1975 generations were the best because there were unique talents among the team, such as Hazem Imam, Abdel Sattar Sabry, and Mohamed Sabry.

Do you recall any special situations with these players?
I was the first one to nominate Mohamed Sabry to play in Zamalek under the late coach Mahmoud El-Gohary. I once met Gohary in the street and asked him to give a chance for a young talent to play for Zamalek in its match against Al Ahly. Sabry presented a great performance and scored against Al Ahly. In the national team, I used to receive and deliver Sabry by myself to Ahmed Mostafa, the coach of the youth team at the time, to ensure his participation in the training camp, especially since Sabry lacked discipline. I think he could have been a great player, if he had developed himself.

Who was the best player in this period?
Imam, Sabry, Mu’tamad Gamal, and Osamah Nabih who unfortunately suffered serious injuries in a few years and played in other positions rather than his favourite one. Gamal was also a brilliant player. The former Dutch coach of the national team Ruud Krul once said that Gamal was the best sweeper he ever coached in his career.

Who are the best Egyptian players from your point of view?
Hassan Shehata and Abdel Karim Al Gohary were the greatest players in Egypt, they were underrated because of the lack of powerful media in the past.

How far do you think Egypt can go in the next World Cup?
It will be normal if Egypt could not go beyond the group stage, but I wish we can reach the Round of 16. Our team will clash with Uruguay, which has the best attackers in the world, such as Suarez of Barcelona and Cavani of Paris Saint Germain, the host Russia and Saudi Arabia, which will put huge pressure on both teams.

How do you see Cuper?
I am satisfied with what he has done so far with the team. The final results are the most important thing, and he achieved good results within the available possibilities.

What do you mean by “available possibilities”?
Cuper took over the team’s management in a difficult period after the retirement of great and experienced players. Most of those who played under him lacked international experience. Moreover, he lacked good alternative players in many positions. Portugal won the UEFA European Championship through Cuper’s defensive techniques and it did not present an outstanding football performance.

Will the EFA extend Cuper’s contract after the World Cup?
I will sit with him during the May and June training camps before the World Cup. Personally, I welcome this step and so does he, and that is the best for all.

What will happen if Cuper does not extend his contract with the team?
If Cuper refuses to extend his contract, I think the alternative coach will be a foreigner.

What about the Egyptian coaches who were once nominated to lead the team?
There are many Egyptian football coaches, such as Hossam Al Badri, Hossam Hassan, and Hassan Shehata, but I prefer to contract with a foreign coach.

Do you recall any special situations for the national team under Shehata?
Actually, the former general coach of the team Shawki Gharib was the main reason behind the nomination of Shehata to lead the team in 2004/2005. I once met Gharib and he recommended Shehata for the position, but the former head of the EFA, Abdo Saleh Al Wahsh, opposed the idea at the beginning. Eventually, he was persuaded to give the opportunity to an Egyptian coach and Shehata was assigned to lead the national team with Gharib as general coach. I always tell Shehata and Ghraib: “your luck is linked to each other.” After their departure, they did not achieve much with different clubs.

Which is the best football generation?

I think the 2006 football generation was the best. It included many special players in all positions unlike the current team, which lacks good alternatives. Drogba once said if I have Mohammed Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa, and Essam El Hadary on my team, I can reach the World Cup final match.

How do you see El Hadary?
He is an extraordinary and legendary player. He was the third goalkeeper of the team during the African Cup of Nations and became the first goalkeeper.

Many describe the national team as “Salah’s team”. What do you think of that?

When Mohamed Salah misses with the Liverpool squad, the team is affected badly, despite there being many stars in the English team. If anyone calls the national team “Salah’s team”, then we can call Argentina Messi’s team, Portugal Ronaldo’s team, and so on.

What do you think of Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup?

It was a political fight between the United States and Russia after the latter won the right to host the World Cup in 2018. There were many suspicious things which came to the surface after the arrest of some FIFA members.

What about the 2026 World Cup?

There is competition between Morocco and the US, Mexico, and Canada. Egypt will vote for Morocco as an Arab participant.

What do you think of Egypt’s failure to host the 2010 World Cup?

We gave more attention to the promotion of the event on the Egyptian streets rather than the outside world, so we got no votes.

Finally, would you like to say something to Egyptians?

I hope Egyptian fans deal elegantly with football in the coming years to maintain pace with the world football, especially because football fans will be allowed to attend matches in stadiums starting from the next season. I also hope that Egypt can achieve honourable results in the 2018 World Cup.

 

Source :  Daily News Egypt

Parlement panafricain: ouverture de session ce jour

 Les travaux connaîtront leur point d’orgue jeudi prochain avec l’élection du nouveau bureau, un processus qui a été expliqué vendredi dernier aux ambassadeurs africains en poste en Afrique du Sud.

Comment sera gérée la transition au sein du bureau du Parlement panafricain (PAP) dès ce lundi avec l’expiration du mandat de l’équipe actuelle dirigée par le Camerounais Roger Nkodo Dang ? Où en sont les caucus (ensembles sous régionaux) avec la désignation de leurs candidats aux différents postes ?

Qu’en est-il de la situation des parlementaires de certains pays à l’instar de la Libye au sein du PAP ? Des questions et d’autres qui se sont retrouvées au centre de la rencontre vendredi dernier en Afrique du Sud, entre le bureau du PAP conduit par son président, Roger Nkodo Dang et la trentaine de chefs de mission diplomatique des pays africains ayant effectué le déplacement de Midrand, sous la conduite de leur doyen, le Camerounais Adrien Kouambo.

Des préoccupations qui n’intervenaient pourtant que dans la phase des divers, l’essentiel des travaux étant consacré au compte-rendu de certaines missions menées pour le compte de l’institution législative de l’Union africaine par son président, Roger Nkodo Dang. Des préoccupations qui ont pourtant fini par ravir la vedette aux principaux points de l’ordre du jour des échanges.

Cette session qui s’ouvre officiellement ce jour sera en effet consacrée jeudi prochain au renouvellement du bureau de cinq membres, un président et quatre vice-présidents, dont les titulaires sont issus chacun de l’une des sous-régions du continent.

« Il n’y aura pas de vacances à la tête de l’institution » a rappelé le président sortant, indiquant que sur la base du règlement intérieur, le bureau sortant « sera chargé de liquider les affaires courantes ». Les dispositions de l’article 15 de ce texte ayant prévu un délai de 72 heures au moins pour l’élection du nouveau bureau.

S’agissant des parlementaires libyens récemment désignés, le secrétaire général du Parlement, Vipya Harawa a souligné qu’ils font partie des 80 nouveaux membres qui prêteront serment dès ce jour. Pour la désignation des candidats aux postes ouverts, les différents caucus sous régionaux, pour ceux qui ne l’ont pas encore officiellement fait, vont se réunir ce jour à l’effet de désigner leurs plénipotentiaires.

Il s’agit pour chaque sous-région, qui le souhaite, de présenter un candidat au poste de président, et au plus deux, (un homme et une femme), comme vice-président. Ils seront ainsi quelques 265 électeurs issus des 53

Etats membres de l’Union africaine à prendre part au processus électoral. Toutefois, selon les dispositions du règlement intérieur, les dernières candidatures seront reçues six heures au plus tard avant l’élection.

 

Cameroon-Tribune

Coopération: le Japon renouvelle son appui à Eiforces

C’est le message délivré vendredi dernier par Masahisa Sato, le ministre délégué auprès du ministre des Affaires étrangères japonais, au campus d’Awae.

L’Ecole internationale des forces de sécurité (Eiforces) de Yaoundé au Cameroun, unique établissement qui forme à la fois des personnels policiers et gendarmes. Une exception en Afrique et dans le monde. C’est cette authenticité qui aura marqué l’hôte de l’institution vendredi dernier à Awae, à 40 km de Yaoundé. Masahisa Sato, le ministre délégué auprès du ministre des Affaires étrangères du Japon, a effectué une visite dans cette structure pour y réitérer le soutien et l’appui de son pays.

En effet, depuis sa création en 2008, l’Eiforces bénéficie de l’accompagnement de plusieurs partenaires étrangers, dont le Japon qui a œuvré à 23,43%. Au rang des contributions, la participation d’experts japonais, l’équipement du centre multimédia en matériels, la fourniture des ouvrages pour le centre de documentation, l’installation de la fibre optique pour connexion internet haut débit (via Camtel), ainsi que la mise en place d’un laboratoire de langues par l’acquisition des matériels TIC. Le ministre japonais a fait le tour de l’établissement, a salué la diversité des profils des apprenants, de même qu’il a encouragé cette initiative unique dans le monde.

Les préoccupations en termes de langues parlées et de documentation au sein de l’établissement ont trouvé des réponses auprès du général de brigade Bitote André Patrice, directeur général de l’Eiforces. Le bilinguisme y est de rigueur, autant pour les enseignements que pour la documentation, d’autant que l’école accueille également des apprenants venus de pays lusophones.

De la même manière, le général Bitote a relevé l’imminence d’une 3e convention de financement en vue avec le Japon, évaluée à 1 660 000 dollars (soit environ 913 millions de F).

Elle devrait permettre des activités de formation, notamment, la lutte contre l’extrémisme violent, l’organisation des activités de recherche, ainsi que le renforcement des équipements standards internationaux de l’établissement. A ce jour, l’Eiforces a déjà formé 2453 personnels (gendarmes, policiers et civils) venant de 24 pays africains.

 

Cameroon-Tribune

Cameroon’s External Debts: IMF/World Bank Mission Advises Restraint

Prime Minister Philemon Yang during separate audiences on May 4, 2018 had talks with a delegation of the IMF/World Bank Mission and Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang as early as 8:30 a.m. on May 4, 2018 had talks with members of the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) Joint Mission to  Cameroon who will for 10 days evaluate the performance of the country’s economy.

Speaking to the press after the talks, the leader of the IMF/WB Joint Mission, Daniel Owen said they discussed the recent developments in the economy of Cameroon and acknowledged the challenges the economy faces. “We also discussed the situation of external debt and the fact that the debt is very high in Cameroon. It is important to be very restrained in taking new loans, particularly non-concessional loans,” Daniel Owen advised.

Concerning the fiscal situation in Cameroon, the head of the IMF/WB Joint Mission said, “We agreed with the PM the importance of maintaining the fiscal adjustment path that we agreed under the programme.” Cameroon and the IMF in June 2017 signed and Extended Credit Facility Programme amounting to FCFA 227.646 billion.

“The centrepiece of the programme in Cameroon is on the adjustment of the fiscal deficit which is rather high in the past 6 per cent in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016. As part of the effort to stabilise the situation in Cameroon but also more broadly to stability in the CEMAC region, it was agreed that this deficit should be brought down quite substantially to around 2 per cent GDP.”

At 10: 00 a.m. the same Friday, May 4, 2018, Prime Minister Yang had talks with the visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Masahisa Sato. Talking to the press after the talks, he said he came to invite President Paul Biya of Cameroon to attend the seventh edition of Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD 7) that will take place in Japan next year 2019.

He said the visit was also an occasion to further reinforce bilateral relations between Cameroon and Japan and to reinforce the cooperation on the international scene. While lauding Cameroon’s efforts to maintain security in its restive areas, the Japanese minister promised his country’s commitment to continue to give assistance on the management of refugees and also boost education.
 

Source :  Cameroon-Tribune

Un dîner en guise de gratitude

Le président du Sénat et son épouse ont reçu de nombreuses personnalités samedi soir à leur résidence à Yaoundé.

Une « plénière » en plein air, dans un magnifique décor. Belle harmonie entre les couleurs chatoyantes or et blanc, rehaussée par des lumières tamisées. Une brise du soir qui rafraîchit la chaleureuse ambiance distillée par des groupes de danse traditionnelle venus de l’Ouest.

C’est une esplanade de la résidence du président du Sénat transformée, samedi soir, qui a accueilli de nombreuses personnalités au rang desquelles le ministre d’Etat, ministre du Tourisme et des Loisirs, Maïgari Bello Bouba, le ministre Grégoire Owona, représentant le Vice-premier ministre, ministre délégué à la présidence chargé des Relations avec les Assemblées depuis le début de la session, de nombreux sénateurs, opérateurs économiques et élites de la région de l’Ouest.

Dans son toast, le président du Sénat, visiblement ému par la confiance renouvelée du chef de l’Etat et de ses collègues sénateurs, a exprimé toute sa gratitude et sa reconnaissance à l’endroit de Paul Biya. Par ailleurs, Marcel Niat Njifenji a appelé les sénateurs à œuvrer pour  un « Sénat de développement », avec une contribution majeure dans la sauvegarde de la paix et de la stabilité du Cameroun.

Pour cette 2e législature, le président du Sénat a plaidé pour plus d’entente, de fraternité et de collaboration entre sénateurs, afin de répondre aux nombreuses attentes des populations. Les invités ont ensuite levé leur verre pour l’unité et la prospérité du Cameroun et pour la sagesse et la clairvoyance du chef de l’Etat.
 

Cameroon-Tribune

Sénat: Marcel Niat Njifenji rempile

Il a été réélu à la tête du bureau de la chambre au cours d’une séance plénière vendredi au Palais des Congrès.

C’est Calvin Zang Oyono, le nouveau président du Groupe parlementaire du Rassemblement démocratique du peuple camerounais (RDPC) au Sénat qui portait le pli fermé, contenant le nom du candidat de ce parti.

Vendredi au Palais des Congrès, quelques minutes après l’ouverture de la plénière et l’attente des candidats par le doyen d’âge, Chief Victor Mukete, le sénateur de la région du Sud s’est dirigé au pupitre. Il a alors dévoilé le nom du candidat présenté par le RDPC, Marcel Niat Njifenji.

C’est le seul candidat enregistré. Le vote est donc ouvert. Les urnes circulent dans l’hémicycle. Au bout d’une vingtaine de minutes, après le dépouillement, le verdict tombe : sur les 96 votants, 89 ont voté en faveur de Marcel Niat Njifenji, et sept bulletins nuls ont été enregistrés.

Tonnerre d’applaudissements dans la salle. Le président sortant du Sénat, à qui ses collègues ont renouvellé leur confiance, entame ainsi la 2e législature en gardant sa prestigieuse casquette. Ce, jusqu’en mars 2019.

Comme le dispose le règlement intérieur, le président élu a pris place au perchoir pour la suite des élections. Mais avant, Marcel Niat Njifenfi a délivré un mot de circonstance. Il a tenu à remercier le président national du RDPC, Paul Biya, pour la confiance renouvelée.

Par ailleurs, le président du Sénat a invité tous les sénateurs à travailler pour l’intérêt supérieur de l’Etat. Pour le président du Sénat quelle que soit sa région d’appartenance, le sénateur doit toujours être animé par l’ardent désir de servir la patrie.

Pour ce qui est de la suite des élections, au poste de Premier vice-président, l’on a reconduit Aboubakary Abdoulaye, le lamido de Rey-Bouba, dans la région du Nord. Des changements sont intervenus au niveau des autres vice-présidents. On note par exemple l’élection de Ndieb-Nso George Tabetando, ancien président du Groupe parlementaire RDPC et de Mme Nkeze Emilia Kalebong du SDF.

Ils siègeront aux côtés de Mme Hanlog Géneviève Epse Tjouès et Sylvestre Naah Ondoa. S’en sont suivies, les élections des trois questeurs et des huit secrétaires. Au total, ce sont 17 membres du bureau qui ont été désignés vendredi. Quant aux bureaux des commissions, ils seront mis sur pied ce lundi.

Cameroon-Tribune

Les condoléances du chef de l’Etat à S.E Muhammadu Buhari, président de la République fédérale du Nigeria, commandant-en-chef des forces armées

« Monsieur le président et cher frère,
J’ai pris connaissance avec consternation et émoi, du lourd bilan humain causé par le double attentat terroriste perpétré dans une mosquée et un marché de Mubi dans le Nord-Est du Nigeria.
Je vous réitère, en cette tragique circonstance, mon engagement à œuvrer avec vous à l’éradication du fléau terroriste.
Je tiens à vous adresser, ainsi qu’aux familles des victimes et à la nation nigériane meurtrie, mes sincères condoléances. J’y associe mes souhaits de prompt rétablissement aux blessés.
Veuillez agréer, Monsieur le président et cher frère, les assurances renouvelées de ma très haute considération ».

 

Cameroon-Tribune

Marcela Temer pula na lagoa para salvar cachorrinho e Planalto afasta assessora