Egyptian MP Steps In to Help Homeless Nuclear Engineer After 9 Months on the Street
Egyptian Minister Intervenes to Help Homeless Nuclear Engineer
– In a story that has captured the attention of Egyptians, Dr. Maya Morsi, the Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity, has visited Layla Ibrahim Hassan, a 66-year-old former nuclear engineer who found herself homeless after a dispute with her landlord. The intervention follows widespread social media attention to Hassan’s plight.
The case of “the homeless nuclear power engineer,” as she has been dubbed online, gained traction after images of Hassan living on the streets circulated widely. According to reports, Hassan worked for years at the Atomic Energy Authority in Inshas city before losing her apartment approximately seven months ago.
The minister’s visit took place at an elderly care home in the Giza Governorate, where Hassan was transferred by rapid intervention teams from the Ministry of Social Solidarity. The teams moved quickly to provide Hassan with psychological, social, and comprehensive medical care at the “Al-Khair” home, run by the Human Relations Association.
During the visit, Minister Morsi reportedly ensured Hassan’s well-being, with the Governor of Giza also present to confirm that all necessary care was being provided. The Ministry of Social Solidarity stated that this action demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring a dignified life for all citizens.
Hassan’s story highlights the challenges faced by some Egyptians struggling with rising rental costs and housing insecurity. She explained that she had rented an apartment in the Tahrir area of Giza for eight years, paying 1200 Egyptian pounds monthly, with a 10% increase every two years. However, seven months ago, her landlord demanded a significantly higher rent or eviction, coinciding with an increase in demand for apartments due to an influx of refugees in the area.
Hassan refused to comply with the increased rent and also refused to leave the property. She was reportedly surprised when the landlord forcibly changed the locks, leaving her without a home and forcing her to live on the streets. Her situation quickly became a trending topic online, with many calling for a solution to her problem and appropriate recognition of her past contributions.
The intervention also follows a visit by Dr. Randa Mustafa, a member of parliament and head of the Women’s Committee for the Nation’s Protectors Party, who met with Hassan to listen to her concerns and explore ways to provide support. Mustafa emphasized that the party does not simply monitor social media, but actively investigates situations and listens to those affected, stressing that the dignity of the Egyptian citizen is a top priority.
Mustafa added that the Egyptian state has established a comprehensive social protection system, and the party’s role is to strengthen these efforts and reach those in need of urgent assistance. She stated that the meeting involved a detailed discussion of Hassan’s needs and a search for ways to provide appropriate support and ensure her rights are protected.
The Nation’s Protectors Party, according to Mustafa, pays particular attention to the issues of women and the elderly, considering them priority groups for care. She affirmed that dealing with such cases is carried out through an institutional mechanism that takes into account both the human and legal dimensions.
Mustafa concluded by stating that the Nation’s Protectors Party will continue to fulfill its community role alongside state institutions, emphasizing that cooperation between political forces, civil society, and executive bodies is essential for establishing social justice and promoting stability within the community.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about housing affordability and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Egypt. While the immediate crisis for Hassan appears to be resolved with her placement in the care home, the underlying issues of rising rents and housing insecurity remain a concern.