By Dena Yehya
As the world marks International Women’s Day, efforts to empower women remain at the heart of global development strategies. In Egypt, civil society organizations are playing an increasingly influential role in supporting women—particularly those navigating economic and social vulnerabilities.
Among these initiatives, the Sonaa Al-Kheir Foundation for Development, a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, has expanded a suite of programmes designed to bolster women’s economic independence, social protection, and healthcare access across several governorates.
Preserving heritage
One of the foundation’s flagship programmes focuses on reviving traditional crafts while generating sustainable income. Through a network of Sustainability Centers for Handicrafts and Heritage Crafts, participants receive professional training in sewing, crochet, embroidery, decoupage, and gemstone jewelry-making.
Operating in multiple regions across Egypt, these centers provide women with marketable skills while preserving the traditional crafts that form an essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage. Products created through the programme are marketed locally and featured in exhibitions; notably, some handcrafted items are exported to Arab markets, allowing participants to transform traditional craftsmanship into viable economic ventures.
The programme primarily targets vulnerable groups, including widows, divorced women, and female heads of households, equipping them with the tools necessary to enter the labor market or establish small-scale enterprises.
Expanding pathways to employment
Beyond vocational training, the foundation has introduced initiatives to facilitate broader economic participation. Among these is the “Sekket Rizq” initiative, which provides motorcycles and scooters to graduates of care homes to help them secure employment and achieve financial independence. The launch event was attended by Maya Morsy, reflecting national support for programmes aimed at enhancing economic inclusion.
Additionally, the “Tamkeen” initiative has been touring rural villages and communities, offering training sessions to thousands of women in financial inclusion, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills.
Strengthening social support systems
In tandem with economic empowerment, the foundation has implemented several social initiatives to assist women facing financial hardship. Thousands of indebted women have received aid to overcome financial burdens and reintegrate into society. Furthermore, the foundation has provided essential household appliances—including refrigerators and stoves—to families whose homes were renovated under the “Villages of Hope” initiative.
Meanwhile, the “Farha” initiative supports underprivileged brides whose marriages had been delayed by financial constraints, helping them obtain the essential household items needed to begin their married lives.
Healthcare outreach in underserved areas
Access to healthcare remains a critical pillar of the foundation’s mission. Through regular medical convoys, the organization provides free medical examinations, medication, eyeglasses, and surgical procedures for women in underserved communities. These initiatives aim to address immediate medical needs while improving the long-term wellbeing of women who often face significant barriers to accessing such services.
Women as drivers of sustainable development
Through its expanding network of programmes, the Sonaa Al-Kheir Foundation for Development seeks to reinforce the role of women as active partners in progress. As Egypt advances its social and economic agenda, the empowerment of women remains a vital cornerstone in building resilient communities and fostering inclusive growth across the republic.
