(II) Strategies of the Fifth Five Year Plan

The plan is based on a number of strategic elements in light of long term vision of Egypt's Development till 2022. Among these are the following:

	Embracing an Export Promotion Strategy to reduce balance of payments deficits and augment job opportunities
	Deepening industrialization process by focusing on capital goods and high value added products where Egypt enjoys competitive advantage
	Eliminating unemployment by adopting an employment – oriented strategy
	Increasing competitiveness of Egyptian firms by focusing on productivity increase, cost reduction, quality control, development marketing and technological skills
	Rationalizing investment incentives to maximize net economic benefits
	Directing development efforts towards desert land and to non- congested areas to rectify spatial imbalances
	Asserting equity considerations and lessening poverty rate by extending social security schemes to all citizens and improving basic services especially in rural areas – promoting small – scale activities
	Increasing Women’s Participation in development process

(III) Women component in the Fifth Five Year Plan for Economic and Social Development in Egypt (2002/03 – 2006/07)

The Plan dedicates special attention to the social gender component in order to integrate women in the mainstream of development. This is done for the sake of guaranteeing women's effective participation in the social and economic development, and in order to benefit from their efforts, raise their capabilities, and help them to identify and solve their problems .

The following are some policies that deal in particular with the gender issue:
 

	Developing and raising the percentage of women participation in different economic fields
	Providing training and rehabilitation programs for women and developing their capabilities in order to cope with the requirements of the Labor market
	Increasing the participation of women in setting the developmental strategies
	Achieving full absorption of rural girls at the school age in the basic education
	Widening the dissimilation of literacy programs for rural women who did not enrol in education
	Providing opportunities for educating women not only through the official educational system but also through the cultural, social, vocational and political organization as well as work sites and training centers; in addition to developing the systems, programs and technologies of open education
	Affirming the role of the media and NGOs in developing society's awareness of the role of women in development and the need for improving their educational and skill standards
	Changing the prevailing cultural and intellectual atmosphere concerning women by reconsidering concepts that generate gender discrimination; in addition to raising women's political awareness
	Redistribution of health services provided for women and increasing their efficiency together with focusing on deprived areas
	Expanding health projects and family planning services as well as raising the efficiency of health units
	Issuing legislation that guarantees the protection of women's and children's health
	Expanding the establishment of social security networks and coverage
	Raising awareness of gender issues, culture, and justice as well as gender equality in all workers in the different culture and information media

Labor Force and Employment in the Fifth Five Year Plan:

Female participation in Labor force is expected to increase from 7.7 % in base year to 19.2 % by the end of the plan , registering an average annual growth rate of 4.4% . This would imply rising the ratio of female Labor force to female population from 10.8 % in 2001 / 2002 to 12.3 % in 2006 / 07

Table : Targeted Indicators for Labor force according to gender during the Fifth Five Year Plan and its first year

With respect to Maternity and Childhood Issues, the following policies are worth noting:

	Considering legislation pertaining to childhood in general with the target of developing It in compliance with social changes
	Generalizing the application of the full day in schools and completing the educational facilities in schools
	Enhancing the major role performed by the localities in childhood care
	Providing more health care for children, especially in rural areas
	Dedicating much attention to children’s libraries, general gardens, cultural centers In governorates and children’s programs In the media
	Giving much attention to talented and innovative children and encouraging creative and innovative capabilities
	Expanding the establishment of rehabilitation houses for children with special needs
	Extending the health insurance coverage to include rural and unemployed women
	Protecting orphans and children that do not have family care
	Establishing a rigorous database in order to modernize the planning , and follow up mechanisms relating to women, maternity and childhood activities
	Encouraging investments in industries related to the necessary needs of children, especially scientific toys that stimulate children's thinking, creativity and innovation