Mario Rizk

What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?

I am eager to fight for gender equality because I was privileged in being brought up by an empowered mother and a good physician as well, which reflected on my view of the world and empowered me in return. I believe that every child should grow up having the same opportunity.

Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.

As the president of Newgiza University Student Union for two consecutive years, as well as Roteract club, I ensured that my team would have equitable representation for women. Leadership opportunities were provided to my fellow female colleagues to strengthen their decision-making power and promote their effective participation in the public life. Together, with the help of my team, we successfully arranged several awareness campaigns about sexual harassment and domestic violence against women. As an official representative of the planning ministry for the Sustainable Development National Agenda 2030, I advocated for implementing sound policies that ensured an inclusive, equitable political life, non-discriminatory, safe, and welcoming environment for women and youth. Together, with my colleagues, we can proudly say that our collaborative work has contributed to a number of active women ministers in the government.

Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?

I am really interested in cinema and drama. I love watching and criticizing movies and series. I used to act in some plays when I was younger. Now, I am organizing the first vertical film festival in Egypt, Revart Film Festival. I am a football fan. I enjoy watching premier league, Spanish league, and Egyptian league football matches. I love reading books, politics, playing guitar. I am learning French, and I also have my daily routine of workouts.