The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched an "ICT for Women" e-portal, aimed at educating and empowering women to get them more involved in the IT sector.

The portal aims to raise awareness of key challenges faced by women when it comes to entering the field of IT, which dissuade many from considering careers in the sector.

It has been set up with the assistance of numerous organisations, including UNWOMAN, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office, the United Nations Office in Cairo, the National Council for Women and the Arab Women Organisation.

"This is in addition to a number of public figures interested in activating and integrating IT tools for the benefit of women in the society from both international and local ICT companies, and representatives of MCIT affiliates and Egyptian universities concerned with gender issues in Egypt in the ICT sector and its role in development," MCIT said.

The portal includes a section featuring key statistical indicators for women's use of ICTs in various sectors, such as family, public sector, private sector, education and health. It also displays a range of programmes and initiatives run by MCIT to increase female engagement and leadership in IT.

It will also feature success stories from Egyptian women using ICTs within their businesses, and presents the views of international organisations with regard to women and ICT.