Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Rabeha Programme Boosts Market Access for Handicraft Enterprises in Egypt

The Rabeha Joint Programme, a collaboration between UN Women and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is driving positive change for women-led handicraft enterprises in Egypt. By providing technical assistance, business support, and greater market access, the initiative is helping women entrepreneurs scale their businesses and improve their economic opportunities.

One of the key highlights of this effort was the participation of around 80 women entrepreneurs in the Turathna Exhibition for Handicraft and Heritage, organized by Egypt’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA). The event served as a crucial platform for these businesses to showcase their products, expand their market reach, and boost sales.

Through the programme, exhibitors received on-the-job consultations and technical guidance, enhancing their competitiveness in the local and international markets. As a result, total reported sales from participating enterprises amounted to EGP 758,175 (approximately USD 15,000). Beyond individual business success, the initiative also supports over 550 women working within local handicraft clusters, strengthening the sector’s overall value chain.

By fostering women’s entrepreneurship and providing essential market linkages, the Rabeha Joint Programme is not just creating economic opportunities but also contributing to a more inclusive and resilient handicraft sector in Egypt.