In a significant step towards empowering women in rural Egypt, QNB Egypt, in partnership with the Sanaa El Khair Foundation for Development, a key member of the National Alliance for Developmental Civil Society Work, celebrated the graduation of over 120 women from a specialized training program in traditional and heritage crafts. The ceremony took place at the Sustainability Center in Al-Ghallab Village, located in western Aswan.
The graduates, having successfully completed an intensive and hands-on training program, acquired skills in various traditional Nubian crafts, including woven palm fronds, sewing and tailoring, recycled product creation (transforming used tires into usable goods), and calligraphy. In addition to the graduation, it was announced that more than 70 women would secure employment either at the center or remotely from their homes, providing them with a stable source of income.
A Cultural and Economic Milestone
The event was attended by senior executives from QNB Egypt, Sanaa El Khair Foundation, and notable dignitaries including Eng. Amr Helmy, Deputy Governor of Aswan, who applauded the initiative for its pivotal role in empowering women and supporting creative industries in underdeveloped and border regions. The ceremony marked a milestone not only in women’s economic empowerment but also in preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In his speech, Mohamed Bedeir, CEO of QNB Egypt, underscored that this program aligns with the bank’s long-term sustainable strategy, which aims to create tangible social and economic impact. He highlighted that empowering women and enhancing their productive capabilities remain top priorities for the bank. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), which are crucial for fostering inclusive development and contributing to Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Strengthening Collaboration for Broader Social Impact
Bedeir further emphasized that the QNB Egypt-Sanaa El Khair partnership demonstrates the immense potential of cross-sector collaboration between the banking sector and civil society. This collaboration is vital for fostering economic growth, reviving traditional crafts, and safeguarding the local cultural identity of Egypt, especially in marginalized areas. By creating a sustainable model of economic empowerment, the partnership sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at supporting local artisans and boosting regional economies.
Hany Abdel Fattah, CEO of Sanaa El Khair Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership with QNB Egypt, noting that this initiative has significantly impacted rural women by providing non-traditional, sustainable employment opportunities. He emphasized that the project has not only enabled women to earn an income but also helped breathe new life into Nubian heritage crafts, ensuring that these traditional skills are passed down to future generations.
Impacting Communities and Creating Lasting Change
QNB Egypt and Sanaa El Khair Foundation initiative is more than just a job training program — it is a model of inclusive economic empowerment that ties cultural preservation with modern-day sustainability. The program reflects Egypt’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes gender equality, local economic development, and cultural heritage preservation.
By combining social impact initiatives with business development, the program demonstrates the transformative power of community-driven projects. It also shows how financial institutions and NGOs can join forces to create lasting, positive change — from generating job opportunities to preserving traditional crafts and enhancing the quality of life for marginalized women in rural communities.
With more women joining the workforce and contributing to the revival of cultural heritage, this initiative is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
