In a powerful show of grassroots empowerment, Egypt’s Hayah Karima Foundation celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of Sukar El Byut initiative. The program, launched under the umbrella of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, is designed to train and equip women breadwinners with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to start their own home-based dessert businesses.
Held at a ceremony that brought together an inspiring group of leaders and changemakers, the event was attended by Amb. Nabila Makram, Head of the Alliance’s Technical Secretariat; Prof. Nawal El-Degwi, Chair of the Board of Trustees of MSA University; Dr. Marwa Fakhry, CEO of the Hayah Karima Foundation; Eng. Engy Mansour, Chair of Lebaladna Foundation for Development; and Dr. Ahood Wafi, Chair of Hayah Karima Foundation, among others.
Building Businesses, One Recipe at a Time
This second phase of Sukar El Byut offered in-depth training to 100 women, focusing not only on the culinary craft but also on the business acumen required to run a profitable enterprise. Participants gained hands-on experience in professional confectionery settings, coupled with theoretical sessions held at the General Authority for Investment. The training covered a diverse range of subjects tailored to empower women in every aspect of microenterprise management.
Sessions focused on food safety and hygiene, ensuring the women’s products meet high quality and health standards. Digital marketing workshops taught them how to effectively promote their businesses online, while financial inclusion sessions provided tools to navigate Egypt’s formal banking system. Additional modules included communication and customer service, simplified tax awareness, and a solid foundation in entrepreneurship and small business principles.
Empowering Voices at the Ceremony
Eng. Engy Mansour, representing Lebaladna Foundation, opened the ceremony by applauding the perseverance and ambition of the trainees. She emphasized that each woman involved in Sukar El Byut represents hope, not just for her household, but for her community at large.
Dr. Ahood Wafi echoed this sentiment, extending deep gratitude to the participants, the national alliance, and the dedicated teams on the ground who contributed to the program’s success. She underscored that the foundation’s support does not end with graduation. Continued mentorship, problem-solving, and logistical support will be provided to ensure every woman’s journey continues toward sustainable success.
In her remarks, Dr. Nawal El-Degwi shared her joy at seeing the project’s impact come to life. She voiced her hope that every graduate would go on to build her own business, contributing meaningfully to her family and society while embodying the true spirit of dignity and economic self-sufficiency.
A New Kind of Discipline, A Global Spotlight
Ambassador Nabila Makram praised the spirit of “civil discipline” that Hayah Karima has brought to its work—an ethos marked by transparency, compassion, and commitment. She recalled a particularly poignant moment when graduates from Sukar El Byut stood confidently before the IMF Managing Director at the Grand Egyptian Museum, proudly sharing their stories of transformation. That moment, she said, marked a turning point, elevating the project from a local initiative to a globally recognized success story.
A Growing Impact with Long-Term Support
Since its launch in March 2023, Sukar El Byut has trained over 450 women, including those from marginalized and vulnerable groups—such as women with disabilities, cancer survivors, burn victims, and individuals recovering from substance use. The initiative aims to reach at least 1,000 women by the end of 2025.
Crucially, the support does not stop at graduation. The Hayah Karima Foundation ensures sustainability by providing professional baking equipment, facilitating access to markets through exhibitions, and offering ongoing mentorship. This holistic model enables women to generate consistent income, expand their businesses, and become active contributors to their local economies.
A Blueprint for Women-Centered Development
The Sukar El Byut initiative stands as a shining example of how civil society, government institutions, and the private sector can join forces to create life-changing opportunities for women. By integrating vocational training with entrepreneurship support, financial access, and community outreach, the program represents a scalable blueprint for inclusive economic growth.
