Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) is stepping up its efforts to foster female entrepreneurship, organizing a series of specialized training sessions in Cairo. The initiative is part of the broader “Rabeha” program, designed to equip women with the necessary skills to launch and scale their businesses, contributing to their economic empowerment and the country’s overall growth.
Quick Facts
- Initiative: Specialized entrepreneurship training for women.
- Location: NCW headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
- Goal: Enhance skills for sustainable business growth.
Building a Founder’s Toolkit
Mai Mahmoud, Director General of the Skills Development Center at the NCW, outlined the program’s core focus. She explained that the curriculum is built to provide participants with essential knowledge for managing and developing their ventures. The training modules cover key business areas including entrepreneurship principles, financial planning, marketing strategies, and personal skills development. The objective is to improve the efficiency of existing projects and strengthen their chances of long-term success.
Beyond Training: Connecting Founders to the Ecosystem
The “Rabeha” program’s support extends beyond the initial training workshops. Mahmoud added that participants receive ongoing technical and advisory assistance upon completion. A critical component involves connecting the female founders with a network of support entities and business incubators. This strategic linkage enables them to access available opportunities for project development, expansion, and increasing their competitive edge in the market.
Showcasing a New Wave of Products
Alongside the training, the NCW organized an exhibition for the participating entrepreneurs. The event served as a platform for the women to display a diverse range of products and projects, demonstrating the skills and expertise acquired through the program. This offered a practical opportunity for them to introduce their products to a wider audience and expand their marketing reach.
About the Rabeha Program
The “Rabeha” program is a collaborative effort implemented with several key partners. These include UN Women, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Ansi Sawiris Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at the American University in Cairo’s School of Business. The initiative is run in partnership with the NCW, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), with support from the Government of Canada.
Source: El Balad
