Financial Inclusion in Egypt - Empower 8000 women

Since 2011, Coptic Orphans' B’edaya micro-lending initiative has provided substantial assistance to widowed mothers whose children are enrolled in the Not Alone program.  According to our latest survey conducted in August 2019, we have found that our mothers have a higher than average success rate in maintaining their businesses long term, even in volatile market conditions.

Successful business ventures now include grocery, household supplies, livestock breeding and fodder supply, dairy production and distribution, as well as more high-end consumer-driven services that range from upholstery and garment care to cosmetic services such as hairdressing.

Through B’edaya, mothers apply their specialized skills and their knowledge of local markets to structure their businesses. With microloans from Coptic Orphans, they are equipped to provide unique products and services to their communities, and in the process, achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.

Nearly all participants surveyed have agreed on one thing: they've not only been empowered through this new financial independence, but they have also gained a new feeling of self-respect and sufficiency, not always afforded to women living in the rural areas of Egypt.

Given the higher than expected success rates in the last 5-8 years, Coptic Orphans has renewed funding for the B'edaya program again in 2019.  

The fourth cycle of Be’daya began in August 2019. Applications are being screened through a rigorous review of proposals as well as interviews with applicants. Additionally, B'edaya Mothers will have extended periods to pay back their microloans. By the end of this fiscal year, Coptic Orphans expects to have 80 mothers enrolled in the B'edaya program full-time as active business owners.

As always, updates will follow regarding special initiatives. Thank you again to our courageous mothers!