Edraak Foundation for Development and Equality held the Awards Announcement Ceremony of the “Mai Gamal” Program and Award for Feminist Research, marking the conclusion of its first round.
The program, launched in November 2024, was established in commemoration of the late co-founder of Edraak and feminist researcher Mai Gamal, and in recognition of her enduring commitment to supporting the production of feminist knowledge in Arabic.
The ceremony opened with a keynote address delivered by Ms. Nagwa Ibrahim, Executive Director of Edraak Foundation. In her remarks, she reflected on the memory of Mai Gamal, her achievements, and her intellectual and human journey. She emphasized that the program is not merely a training initiative or an award, but a sincere effort to continue the path that Mai believed in the path of knowledge by creating space for emerging feminist voices. The address also included a note of appreciation to Mai Gamal’s family for attending the ceremony and participating in the award distribution.
In her speech, Ms. Gehad Rawy, Program Coordinator, introduced the program, its philosophy, and its training journey. She also shared her personal experience with the program, highlighting its role as a space for learning, support, and meaningful exchange among researchers. Additionally, Somaya El-Mahdy delivered a presentation outlining the program’s outputs and training track, which included 36 hours of training and 35 individual mentoring sessions, resulting in the production of rigorous feminist research papers.
The ceremony also featured a panel discussion that brought together researchers Gehad Rawy and Marwa Barakat with participating researchers. The discussion addressed key challenges facing feminist research in Egypt, including limited access to sources, lack of academic recognition, and the social and political constraints confronting women researchers. The dialogue was characterized by honesty, depth, and the exchange of lived experiences.
During the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to a number of trainers, reviewers, and supporters of the program, in recognition of their contributions to enriching feminist research and supporting young feminists.
Honorees included:
Salma Shash, Marwa Barakat, Dr. Hend Ahmed Zaki, Dr. Omnia Khalil, Mona Ezzat, Dina Abdel-Naby, Dr. Hala Kamal, Dr. Hoda El-Sadda, Dr. Reem Saad, Salma El-Naqqash, Amal El-Mohandes, Shaimaa Kadry, and Nada Nashaat.
Outstanding young researchers were also recognized as award recipients:
First Place Award
– Shaimaa Mohamed Bakry
– Nada Yasser Ibrahim
Second Place Award
– Teresa Rady Fahim
Third Place Award
– Nayera Fawzy Heshmat
– Nada Waleed El-Nabrawy
Certificates of Completion and Excellence were awarded to participants who successfully completed the program and produced distinguished feminist research papers:
– Shaimaa Magdy Abdallah
– Asmaa Hussein Mohamed
– Rahma Samy
These awards represent a first step in a broader research journey that Edraak Foundation hopes will continue and expand. The program aims to serve as a catalyst for further feminist knowledge production and to amplify young voices capable of asking critical questions and opening new spaces for understanding and change.
Edraak Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all volunteers and contributors who dedicated their time and effort to bringing the “Mai Gamal” Program to life, including those involved in training, coordination, review, and administration.
Special and heartfelt thanks are extended to Mai Gamal’s family for attending the ceremony and sharing these meaningful moments.
This ceremony marked the conclusion of the first Round of the “Mai Gamal” Program and Award for Feminist Research. With great hope, Edraak Foundation looks forward to future Rounds that will continue this path and expand spaces for feminist knowledge, in loyalty to Mai and in belief in the future.
