The National Council for Women “NCW” is helping put an end to irregular migration, as it has initiated a project to address the economic drivers of irregular migration in Egypt.
The NCW, in partnership with the European Union, is targeting female heads of households seeking income-generating opportunities to protect families and youths searching for employment opportunities from the dangers of irregular migration.
According to the latest statistics conducted by the National Centre for Social and Criminological Research (NCSCR), 11 governorates in Egypt have the largest number of irregular migrants: Sharqiya, Daqahliya, Qalioubiya, Menoufiya, Gharbiya, Beheira, Kafr Al-Sheikh, Fayoum, Assiut, Luxor, and Minya. The NCW chose Luxor, Minya, Beheira, and Gharbiya as starting points, providing an alternative to irregular migration through enterprise development and work opportunities for women and youth., according to the “Ahram Online” website.
According to May Mahmoud, manager of Addressing the Economic Drivers of Irregular Migration in Egypt, the project provides comprehensive programs on vocational and entrepreneurship training, as well as the establishment of incubator/production units and Business Development Service (BDS) units to ensure the sustainability of the activities after the end of the scheme. The venture, according to Mahmoud, supports startups and owners of existing Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises by providing a package of various services through BDS units established at NCW branches along with incubation facilities and production units in the governorates.
The project will also establish the Women’s Entrepreneurs Network whose aim is to connect women entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as with the labor market, relevant institutions, and associations of women and businessmen, Mario Daniel, project coordinator in Minya governorate, told Al-Ahram Weekly.
