Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) continues to advance women’s economic empowerment through its Qodwa-Tech initiative, a program designed to strengthen women’s digital capabilities while preserving Egypt’s traditional handicrafts through technology-driven innovation.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Hoda Baraka Darwish, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Digital Community Development, said the ministry was among the first government institutions in Egypt to harness information and communication technology to support community development. She emphasized that women are a cornerstone of society, making their economic and social empowerment a national priority.
Bridging Generations to Protect Egypt’s Cultural Heritage
According to Dr. Darwish, Qodwa-Tech aims to safeguard traditional crafts that face the risk of disappearing by connecting experienced artisans with younger generations. The initiative encourages the transfer of practical skills while integrating digital technologies that help modernize traditional products and improve their competitiveness in today’s marketplace.
The program promotes both cultural preservation and economic sustainability by ensuring that valuable artisanal knowledge continues to be passed on while adapting to evolving market demands.
Digital Skills Open New Business Opportunities
The initiative extends beyond training young people. It also equips older artisans with practical digital skills that enable them to expand their businesses and reach wider markets.
Participants receive training in:
- Digital marketing
- E-commerce
- Online business management
- Using technology to promote and sell handcrafted products
These skills help artisans access new customers, increase product visibility, and create additional income opportunities through digital platforms.
Online Learning Strengthened the Initiative
Dr. Darwish explained that Qodwa-Tech launched approximately five months before the COVID-19 pandemic. When restrictions were introduced, the initiative successfully transitioned its training programs to fully online delivery.
The digital format allowed participants to continue learning without interruption while gaining experience using modern digital tools and online educational resources.
Women Become Trainers and Community Leaders
One of the initiative’s most significant achievements has been the transformation of many female participants into trainers and community leaders.
After completing the program, numerous women have gone on to mentor other participants, helping transfer knowledge to new generations and expanding the initiative’s long-term impact across local communities.
This peer-learning model strengthens the sustainability of the program while creating new leadership opportunities for Egyptian women.
Partnership Drives Long-Term Success
Dr. Darwish emphasized that Qodwa-Tech’s success depends on collaboration between government institutions and partner organizations working together to promote digital inclusion and women’s empowerment.
She also noted that the initiative maintains an active presence on Facebook and other social media platforms, making it easier for women to learn about available training opportunities, follow program activities, and access its digital services.
By combining digital transformation with cultural preservation, Qodwa-Tech reflects Egypt’s broader strategy of empowering women, supporting entrepreneurship, and preserving the country’s rich artisanal heritage through technology.
