Entissar Amer, Egypt’s First Lady since 2014, has been a constant yet understated figure in the nation’s social and humanitarian landscape. Born on 3 December 1956 in Cairo, she is married to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, forming a partnership that has seen her balance family responsibilities and public service with remarkable poise.
Raised in a traditional Egyptian household, Amer pursued higher education at Ain Shams University, graduating with a degree in Accounting.
Her academic background reflects a dedication to intellectual growth, a value she would later bring to her advocacy work. In 1977, she married el-Sisi, beginning a lifelong journey alongside the future president. Together, they raised three sons—Mahmoud, Mostafa, and Hassan—and a daughter, Aya.
Entissar Amer’s approach as First Lady has been defined by subtlety and substance. Eschewing the limelight, she focuses her energy on causes that uplift the underprivileged, enhance education, and empower women. Her work highlights the transformative potential of quiet leadership, leaving a tangible impact on Egyptian society.
In 2024, Amer championed Egypt’s National Maternal and Child Health Initiative, which provided free medical screenings for over 5 million women in rural and urban areas.
This programme, supported by government funding of EGP 2 billion, significantly reduced maternal mortality rates and improved access to prenatal care. Her involvement ensured that vulnerable communities were not left behind in Egypt’s healthcare transformation.
Health initiatives:
Amer has championed access to healthcare for marginalised communities, spearheading campaigns on maternal and child health, vaccination, and disease prevention. These efforts have provided critical support to underserved regions across Egypt. Her recent focus on combating hepatitis C has been particularly impactful, contributing to Egypt’s recognition by the WHO for its ambitious programme that screened 50 million citizens and achieved a cure rate of over 90%.
Education:
A staunch believer in education as a cornerstone of national development, Amer supports programmes aimed at reducing illiteracy and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and technology. Her initiatives seek to bridge gender gaps in education and create equal opportunities for all. In 2023 alone, Amer’s advocacy contributed to the enrolment of 200,000 girls in STEM-focused schools, a 30% increase compared to previous years.
Women’s empowerment:
Through various projects, Amer has promoted female entrepreneurship and workforce inclusion. She has also backed reforms to improve women’s rights and legal protections, fostering a culture of gender equity.
A recent government-backed programme supported 50,000 women-led small businesses with grants and low-interest loans, marking a historic milestone for women’s financial independence in Egypt.
Cultural preservation:
Recognising the importance of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, Amer actively supports initiatives that celebrate and safeguard the nation’s identity.
Her backing of community-led cultural events underscores her commitment to fostering unity and pride among Egyptians. The 2024 Cairo Cultural Heritage Festival, which she inaugurated, drew over 1 million visitors and highlighted Egypt’s ancient and modern artistic achievements.
In 2024, Amer stood out during key national events, such as the commemoration of the 1973 October War victory, where she paid tribute to Egypt’s veterans. Her remarks highlighted the sacrifices of the armed forces, reinforcing a sense of national pride.
Similarly, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, she expressed Egypt’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights, further cementing her role as a voice for justice and human rights.
Amer’s outreach extended beyond national borders when she led a delegation to the African Union Summit, advocating for regional solidarity on women’s health and education.
Her efforts resulted in Egypt pledging an additional $10 million to African health initiatives, a testament to her commitment to pan-African collaboration.
Amer’s contributions as First Lady reflect a profound understanding of Egypt’s social fabric. Her quiet, methodical approach has created lasting change in health, education, and women’s empowerment, laying a foundation for sustainable development. By prioritising action over acclaim, she has earned widespread respect and admiration.
In 2024, the First Lady received the Arab Women’s Achievement Award for her relentless efforts in advancing gender equality and healthcare access across the Arab world. This recognition underscores her impact not only within Egypt but also across the region.
Entissar Amer represents a modern model of First Ladyship—combining traditional values with a forward-thinking vision for Egypt. Her work exemplifies how influence, when wielded with care and commitment, can catalyse meaningful change. In a rapidly evolving Egypt, Amer’s legacy as a compassionate leader and a steadfast advocate for progress will undoubtedly endure.
Her leadership continues to inspire a generation, proving that even in a fast-changing world, the power of empathy and dedication remains timeless.
