Embracing the challenges and barriers put in front of her, Nesreen Nagaty deeply believes in the value and power of persistence, enabling people to build themselves after difficult challenges to become stronger and more resilient.

Head of Communications and CSR at Al Ahly Sabbour Developments, Nagaty believes in recognizing women-specific struggles in the workplace as a stepping-stone towards a more inclusive work environment.

This interview is part of our Women in Business Today 2022 issue and video series. You can find the full video series on our Facebook and Instagram under @btegyptmag.

Firstly, what does Women’s Month mean to you?

It means a lot of things to me. It means that women are finally getting the appreciation and recognition they deserve. It means that, at last, we’ve reached a time where women are empowered, and self-assured enough to uplift each other and shine a light on each other's accomplishments.

It’s basically a reminder of how far we have come, and all the struggles and hardships we’ve been through to get here.

How did you balance being a mother and your ambitious career? What have you sacrificed or had to adjust (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?

My priority is always my family, to give them all the attention, care and love they need.

On a professional level, Eng. Ahmed Sabbour has been a big supporter and motivator after I shifted from education to real estate, and actually, all of the Sabbour families have given me support. They were very helpful to me, and alongside the support of my family who stood beside me and supported me throughout my journey, he taught me the main success factors: love and respect.

What advice would you give to women who want to find a successful career and family life?

Balancing work with family life is quite challenging to achieve but is very attainable.

I think women, more than men, need to realize that it is essential to start early when focusing on a desired career, and we need to stay the course when marriage and children come. We do not have time to play around or to waste, and we must stay motivated and not burn out.

Women, by starting early, would already have set a pace, before family life comes in. Even when you don’t start early, women must realize that many times, we need to do more. We must stay the course.

Do you feel that cultural expectations and perceptions on women’s role in the workplace, and as financial providers for their families, has changed in the past few years? What do you believe can be done to improve it?

I wish for people to know more about women’s struggles in the workplace. From the inequality in the workplace that a lot of women face, whether in pay or opportunity, to pregnancy discrimination and unconscious bias. I believe that once we start to address these issues, we can actually begin actively looking for solutions for them.

I believe that recognition and encouragement from society towards the woman’s role in the workplace can go miles in furthering their participation and bettering their chances at reaching their career ambitions

The most important lesson I’m actively trying to pass down to my children is that no matter how many times you fall down, you have to brace yourself and get back up by whatever means possible. Because that’s life, a series of ups and downs, and if you get lost in the downs, you’ll never reach the ups.

How has Al Ahly Sabbour helped drive social change and empower women in the workplace in recent years?

At Al Ahly Sabbour, 30% of our employees are women so we are trying to support them and their families, and we work as one big family. Our main goal is to create an environment where they are supported and can succeed in the organization.