Dr. Ghada Waly, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, visited the pavilion of Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) during the “Diarna” exhibition in El Gouna.
During her tour of the NCW pavilion, Waly reviewed a wide range of products created by women entrepreneurs from across Egypt. The showcased items reflected rich artisanal and cultural traditions, highlighting women’s skills in handicrafts and heritage-based production. She praised the National Council for Women for its role in supporting female entrepreneurs and providing sustainable marketing opportunities for their products—efforts she said directly contribute to improving the living standards of Egyptian families.
“The exhibition demonstrates how empowering women economically can preserve cultural heritage while creating real development impact,” Waly said, according to organizers.
The NCW pavilion also received a visit from Laila Hassany, executive director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, who commended the council’s efforts to support women-led businesses and strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations. Such cooperation, she noted, is essential to advancing sustainable development and enhancing household incomes across the country.
The National Council for Women is participating in the “Diarna” exhibition in El Gouna, Red Sea Governorate, from Dec. 25, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, as part of the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family. The pavilion features the work of leading women entrepreneurs from North and South Sinai, Alexandria, the Red Sea Governorate, and Siwa Oasis.
Visitors to the NCW pavilion can explore a diverse collection of high-quality products, including hand-painted textiles, embroidered bags, modern interpretations of traditional clothing, jewelry, and handmade accessories. These items reflect the cultural diversity of the participating regions and the depth of Egypt’s local heritage.
According to the council, the displayed products were carefully selected based on the quality of materials, precision of craftsmanship, and originality of design. The collection showcases the results of extensive training and capacity-building programs implemented by the NCW to equip women with the skills needed to compete in local and national markets.
The “Diarna” exhibition has become a key platform for promoting women’s economic empowerment in Egypt, bringing together policymakers, development leaders, and entrepreneurs around a shared vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.
