For enhancing rural women’s economic empowerment and advancing grassroots development, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Sunday inspected the “Bahrweya Workshop” in Zawya Saqr village, Beheira Governorate. The workshop, a flagship women’s training and employment hub, is part of the national “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) initiative aimed at transforming Egypt’s countryside through sustainable human development.
Accompanied by Beheira Governor Dr. Jacqueline Azar and senior officials from the National Council for Women (NCW), Madbouly toured the facility where dozens of women are receiving hands-on vocational training in garment production, artisanal crafts, and small-scale manufacturing.
“This is a model that must be replicated across Egypt,” the Prime Minister stated during his visit. He directed that the workshop’s products be marketed nationally and digitally, underlining the importance of expanding online sales channels to increase product visibility and income generation for female artisans.
A Model for Women’s Economic Inclusion
The Bahrweya Workshop—developed in cooperation between Beheira’s local government and the NCW—trains rural women in a range of income-generating skills, with a core focus on sewing, embroidery, copperwork, textile painting, ceramics, and handcrafted modeling art (Najroomy).
Dr. Azar noted that the facility equips trainees with end-to-end production capabilities, from design and fabric cutting to finishing, packaging, and marketing. These skills, she explained, not only improve employability but also allow women to launch micro-enterprises, contributing to household income and local economic resilience.
“We are witnessing a transformation,” said Eng. Zakiya Rashad, NCW’s Beheira branch coordinator. “This initiative is helping women break barriers by giving them practical tools and knowledge to enter the labor force confidently.”
Education, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship
Beyond technical training, the workshop integrates educational and awareness sessions on key topics relevant to women’s lives in rural Egypt. These include financial literacy, family counseling, and entrepreneurship development, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy to bolster inclusive development and gender equality.
Each workshop group accommodates up to 15 women, creating intimate learning environments that foster peer-to-peer support and community engagement. According to participants, the training has already opened doors to formal employment opportunities and independent economic activity.
A Vision for Scalable Impact
Prime Minister Madbouly’s directive to broaden the marketing reach of the workshop’s products—through national exhibitions and digital platforms—is seen as a major boost to women-led rural enterprises. It underscores the government’s recognition of e-commerce as a key driver of rural development and its commitment to scaling local initiatives into nationwide success stories.
“Supporting women is not just about empowerment—it’s about shaping Egypt’s future economy,” Madbouly emphasized. “These initiatives unlock potential and build capacity in our most important asset: people.”
The Bahrweya Workshop exemplifies the broader mission of Haya Karima, which targets over 4,500 villages across Egypt to provide access to basic services, infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities. The initiative, launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aims to lift millions out of poverty and ensure equitable development.
