Rural women are critical agents for achieving sustainable development. They play a crucial role in agriculture production, rural enterprises, and improving the well-being of their households. However, despite their substantial contribution to local and global economies, rural women face gender inequalities, such as discriminatory laws and social norms, restricting their ability to reach their full potential.
To celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Rural Women on October 15, we highlight the inspiring women supported by the ‘Women Economic Empowerment for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Egypt’ program, also known as ‘Rabeha.’ This initiative, jointly implemented by UNIDO and UN Women and generously funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to increase women’s access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. We explore how employability skills training provided by Rabeha is empowering women and improving rural livelihoods, paving the way for a more equitable future, according to the “UNIDO” website.
Expanding Opportunities for Women
Between August 2022 and June 2023, Rabeha supported 300 rural women in Beni Suef, Fayoum, and Minya governorates. The program provided technical and soft skills training covering crucial areas such as communication skills, professional ethics, food safety, and effective drying treatments for medicinal and aromatic plants. As a result, these women developed the necessary knowledge and skills to find employment.
Empowering natural leaders
Noura, a highly respected figure in her village in Beni Suef, played a pivotal role in dispelling doubts about the benefits of women participating in the workforce. Her proactive efforts mobilized 120 women from her village to join the Rabeha program.
Reflecting on her transformative journey, Noura emphasized the value of Rabeha’s technical and employability skills training. “Before Rabeha we didn’t know about the companies in our area. I was surprised that we could find jobs that matched our new skills quickly.”
In March 2023, Noura secured a job at Al Sa’eed, a local agro-processing business for herbs, spices, and fruits, and was quickly promoted.
Fair Employment for Sustainable Supply Chains
Rabeha has fostered fair employment practices and strengthened the sustainability of supply chains by directly engaging with the private sector. After understanding the recruitment needs of local employers, the UNIDO team only supported job matching with companies that met specific criteria, including a commitment to gender standards and fair working conditions. For example, Al Sa’eed exemplified this commitment by agreeing to pay minimum wages and adopting fair working hours. The company has also taken additional measures, such as arranging a bus to transport the women from their village to and from work, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
Improved Livelihoods
Among the 121 women trained in Beni Suef, 70 have found employment (a 60% employment rate). Al Sa’eed and Al Estethmareya, two firms that process herbs and spices, have been vital employers, including cumin, anise, and marjoram.
The new income has empowered the women, boosting their confidence and financial independence.
