The UK embassy in Cairo launched on Monday a new campaign titled 'Inspiring Abilities,' or 'Zaye Zayak,' aimed at empowering Egyptians with disabilities. In a press release on Wednesday, the embassy said that British Ambassador John Casson launched the campaign at a Cairo event that celebrated the achievements of disabled Egyptians and the organisations that help them fulfil their potential. The event was attended by Egyptian Minister of Local Development Hesham El-Sherif, MP Heba Hagrass, the founders of the Helm Foundation Amena El-Saie and Ramez Maher, and the head of the Egypt Mission at Handicap International Celine Abric. Egypt has been working to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities in accordance with the Egypt 2014 constitution which stipulates that all citizens are equal in rights, freedoms and general duties,without discrimination based on religion, belief, sex, origin, race, color, language, disability, social class, political or geographic affiliation or any other reason. Earlier in December, the Egyptian parliament provisionally approved a new draft law for people with disabilities, which provides several incentives including further tax exemptions on special needs cars, and a five percent representation in public and private sector companies. The law also sets a 6 months jail sentence and 50,000 EGP fine for those found guilty of overlooking people with disabilities' rights. Casson offered his congratulations to a team of Egyptian champions who participated in the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (INAS) World Championships in Table Tennis and Swimming. Also showcased at the event was the work of organisations and social entrepreneurs working to improve the lives of disabled Egyptians using innovative technology. “Tonight, we launch a new campaign to celebrate the role Egyptians with disabilities play in society, and to support the organisations giving them opportunities to succeed,” the British ambassador said. Casson added that the “time has come to focus on abilities and possibilities, not just the disabilities and obstacles that hold people back.” The newly launched campaign Zaye Zayak is part of the British embassy's 'Inspire Egypt' campaign; an initiative that celebrates inspirational Egyptians from all walks of life, bringing them together and investing in their potential to make a difference in Egypt and the rest of the world.
