Khaberni - In a milestone recording in Egypt's administrative history, Engineer Randa El-Menshawy took over the portfolio of the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, becoming the first woman to hold this position since the ministry was established.
The decision was based on a long executive career within the corridors of the urban file, combining planning, monitoring, and management of national projects.
El-Menshawy is one of the leaders most closely involved with the daily details of the Ministry of Housing over the past decades.
The new minister earned her Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from Helwan University in 1985, and began her career early within the Ministry of Housing before embarking on a professional experience in Kuwait with engineering consultancy offices, only to return later and begin an ascending career within the government apparatus.
She worked as a supervisor in the minister's office for years, which allowed her direct handling of planning files, utilities, investments, and coordination between state agencies, and during this period, she experienced several ministers, which gave her a rare cumulative experience in managing major institutions.
In 2018, a presidential decree appointed her as the Deputy Minister of Housing for Monitoring and Utilities, becoming the first woman to reach this position, and her role became clearer in monitoring the implementation of national projects, solving field problems, and ensuring adherence to timelines.
Later, she moved to the position of First Assistant to the Prime Minister for Monitoring Affairs, where she managed cross-ministerial files and participated in monitoring the completion rates in major initiatives, notably the "Decent Life" initiative.
Practical experience in the field
El-Menshawy's name has been linked to a large number of projects, including the development of infrastructure in new cities, water and sewage stations, and modern urban development areas, in addition to her participation in establishing project management units that rely on young, internationally trained cadres.
Officials who have worked with her say that her main strength lies in her executive discipline and the ability to link central decision-making with on-ground implementation.
