Nagla Rizk

Pioneered digital inclusion initiatives in Egypt, empowering women through technology

Nagla Rizk (1950-2021) was an Egyptian computer scientist and advocate for women's empowerment through technology. As the founder of Egypt's first women's technology network in the 1990s, she created pathways for marginalized women to access digital tools and education. Her work laid the foundation for Egypt's tech ecosystem, particularly through establishing the Egypt Information and Communications Technology Council. Rizk's initiatives like the 'Women and Technology' program directly impacted over 50,000 women, enabling them to participate in the growing IT sector. She also pioneered online education platforms long before massive open online courses (MOOCs) became mainstream. Her legacy continues through the Nagla Rizk Foundation, which supports STEM education for girls across North Africa.