Dr. Manal Awad Mikhail was sworn in as Minister of Local Development in the new government under Dr. Mostafa Madbouly after taking the constitutional oath before Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Throughout her career, Dr. Manal has held various leadership positions, including Governor of Damietta from September 2018 to July. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Governor of Giza for Community Affairs and Environmental Development for three and a half years.
In her role as Deputy Governor, Dr. Manal Awad handled important issues such as civil society organizations, slum development, development of needy villages, women’s affairs, literacy, childhood, and motherhood. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences from Benha University in 1989, followed by a Master’s degree and a PhD from Alexandria University in 1995 and 1999 respectively. Dr. Manal has been recognized with scientific awards, including the State Encouragement Award in Agricultural Sciences in 2007 and the UNESCO Learning Cities Award in 2017.
During her tenure in Giza Governorate, Dr. Manal contributed to Giza becoming the first city in Egypt to gain membership in the UNESCO “Learning Cities” program in 2016. She also played a key role in establishing the first Safe City free of violence against women and girls in Giza Governorate. Following this success, she replicated the initiative in Damietta Governorate. Dr. Manal Awad was also named one of the most prominent inspiring women in the Arab world by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
Under Dr. Manal’s leadership, Damietta Governorate was awarded the UNESCO Learning Cities Award for 2021, ranking among the top ten cities worldwide selected by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. Her commitment to education, gender equality, and community development has been pivotal in her government roles, shaping policies and programs that promote sustainable growth and empowerment in local communities.