Empower Women in Upper Egypt through Craftmaking

The following is the summary of activities implemented as of February 28, 2026, in collaboration with our partner in Egypt, CEOSS.

1. Training Program Activities through Exchange with U.S. based Experts

In December and January, 3 online sessions were implemented that engaged experts in the field of handmade crafts and international trade. Between 24-32 female craft makers from Al Minya and Bani Suef Governorates participated in each of these sessions. The sessions covered the following topics:

• The first session was conducted by Kate McMahon, a Store Manager at Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria VA, a leading global organization in the field of handicrafts and fair trade in the United States. She led a discussion on global market trends, sales of handicraft products, and a review of international product quality standards.
• The second session was conducted by Aisha Hadad, a business owner of Gallery Konti. A former alumna of the original YEP program, she now runs successful business in Egypt and in the UAE, and a furniture factory in Egypt. She led one of the most impactful sessions, generating strong and positive feedback. The session addressed key challenges and solutions within the handicraft industry, as well as specific challenges female entrepreneurs in the region face. She discussed the importance of financial management, market access, and relationship-building within the sector, emphasizing that women often face barriers. She also highlighted the need for both mental and physical well-being, as well as the value of learning from others’ experiences and adapting strategies to different market conditions. Participants engaged actively, sharing the challenges they encounter—some expressed concerns related to marketing, financial management, and the impact of economic crises on their businesses. The session concluded with Aisha offering support and encouragement, underscoring the importance of perseverance and collaboration in overcoming industry challenges.
• The third session was conducted by Lauren Barkume, an expert in international development, artisan programs, and training, and Hannah Del Carmine, a Training Manager for Handmade to Market (former Aid to Artisans). The training session provided participants with valuable practical knowledge to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of their handmade businesses in both local and international markets. The session focused on the five universal market demands—quality, product line, on-time delivery, price, and customer service—as the foundation for business success. Participants learned the importance of maintaining consistent product quality, offering a diversified product line, and meeting delivery commitments, particularly in wholesale and export markets where timing is critical. The training also introduced key marketing concepts, including market tiers, target market identification, market research, and the selection of appropriate sales channels. Special emphasis was placed on helping participants understand how to position their products within accessible market segments and respond effectively to customer needs and market trends. In addition, the session explored export readiness, highlighting the characteristics of successful exporters, the importance of innovation and quality control, and the need to adapt products to international market requirements. Overall, the training enhanced participants’ understanding of how to build stronger market-oriented businesses, improve their readiness for growth, and identify new opportunities in the handmade sector. All of the above sessions included time for questions and feedback from the participants.

1. Training sessions in Egypt

4 days of local training were provided to participants in coordination with MSMEDA. A total of 28 female craft makers from Al Minya and Bani Suef Governorates participated in these sessions. The training covered the following topics:

• The first training, implemented in Al Minya Governorate by an expert over 2 days, was attended by 18 female craft makers. The training content focused on (SIYB) Start and Improve Your Business. By the end of the training, participants had gained the following:
• How to develop a marketing plan.
• How to define the target market.
• Promotional strategies and sales channels.
• How to estimate sales volume and costs and calculate expected revenues and operating expenses.
• How to prepare financial and administrative plans.
• The second training was implemented in Al Minya and Bani Suef Governorates by experts over 2 days (1 day in each Governorate). These training days were delivered by MSMEDA and representatives of Egyptian banks within the framework of an initiative launched in different governorates. A total of 10 female craft makers participated. The training content focused on raising youth awareness about financial inclusion and the Egyptian Micro Enterprises Law. By the end of the training, participants had gained the following:
• Identifying funding opportunities provided by MSMEDA and Egyptian banks.
• Understanding the financial and non-financial services provided by MSMEDA and Egyptian banks.
• Learning about the incentives and facilities provided by the Egyptian Small and Micro Enterprises Law for registering enterprises.
• Understanding how to join the financial system.

1. Networking and Marketing opportunities:

During this reporting period,14 female craft makers in the Governorates of Al Minya and Bani Suef presented a diverse range of handmade and heritage products, including handicrafts, textiles, and artistic items reflecting Egypt’s cultural identity. These opportunities were organized in coordination with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) and the Ayadi Masr Unit.

• Our trainees participated in the Turathna Exhibition, which was held in Cairo at City Stars and lasted for 10 days. Eight women participated in this exhibition. It provided them with a new opportunity and opened marketing horizons beyond their villages and governorates to the capital. This exhibition was not only an economic opportunity for generating income, but also an opportunity for learning, acquiring new skills, and building new relationships with other exhibitors from various governorates.
• Through CEOSS partnership with the Ayadi Masr Unit, the women participated in a local exhibition held at Deraya University in Minya Governorate, which lasted for 2 days. Six program trainees participated in this event. It provided them with a new opportunity and opened marketing horizons beyond their villages to the governorate level. This exhibition targeted a special market segment, namely university students and staff members.

Finally, participation in these marketing opportunities helped create new pathways for growth and improve the income levels of program participants. These exhibitions were part of broader efforts to support small and craft-based enterprises by giving women direct access to markets, helping preserve authentic Egyptian heritage, expanding opportunities for their economic empowerment, and contributing to sustainable development goals.

Participant feedback reflected a strong sense of appreciation, motivation, and encouragement, with comments such as:

• This session was truly excellent, and Aisha was an outstanding choice.”
• “It was truly a source of hope.”
• “Thank you all. Your support felt like genuine emotional encouragement and wonderful motivation.”
• “You gave us real energy to keep moving forward and to face challenges with renewed enthusiasm.”
• “Each time, you show us how much you truly care and how you provide the right support at exactly the right moment. Thank you sincerely for your outstanding efforts.”
• “Truly exceptional.”
• “After every live session, you feel an incredible boost of motivation to continue your work.”
• “Each session feels even better than the last—may it always continue this way.”

Next Steps

Planned activities for the upcoming reporting period will build on the progress achieved to date by continuing to strengthen the business, marketing, and market access capacities of female craft makers in El Minya and Beni Suef Governorates. The program will implement four days of training, two in each Governorate, with an expected 40 female craft makers participating. These trainings will focus on the Micro Business Game, an interactive and practical simulation designed to help participants apply business management and decision-making skills in a realistic learning environment.

The next phase will include the implementation of training activities in Egypt led by American trainers (May 2026), creating an important opportunity for direct knowledge exchange and practical capacity building.

The program will also continue to facilitate participation in a handicraft events enabling women to showcase their products, expand their market reach, and gain direct exposure to potential customers.

Links:

• https://www.handsalongthenile.org/
• Participant Testimony