We are moving forward with full momentum in the one-year capacity-building programme under the EBRD “Women’s Economic Inclusion in Fayoum” project. The Gender Component of the Fayoum Wastewater Expansion Programme supports women’s access to economic opportunities within rural sectors.

Yesterday, women entrepreneurs from Beyahmo, Al Kaabi AL Kadeema, and Al Akhsas gained insights into market needs, marketing aspects and the legal aspects of running their businesses. In addition, they also explored climate change impact and how to adapt and mitigate it! The three villages in Lake Qarun were selected as pilot areas for intervention according to the priority criteria of the Project.

Project: Women's Economic Inclusion in Fayoum

These entrepreneurs are now equipped to meet market demands and increase outreach to attract suitable customers. For this, they engaged in a fun and interactive game during the Market and Marketing Training. The game centres around the Marketing Mix, where participants explore how to strategically use product, price, promotion, and place to boost their business in the value chain of palm dates, fisheries, poultry and handicrafts. The training day also included a module on legal skills and legal management.

The project includes the design and implementation of a 1-year training programme to enhance women-led agro MSME’s capacities and support the creation of new women-led businesses in the sectors of commercial agriculture, agricultural value chains, fisheries and related handicrafts.

See also: Forging Connections: A New Chapter in Networking and Partnerships for Women Entrepreneurs!

The one-year training programme for example also provides financial education on essential tools for women entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions. This training aimed to build the foundations to refine their skills in budgeting, cash flow management, resources management, and strategic financial planning.

As for the project’s objective to identify and analyse the new business opportunities to improve the environmental conditions of Lake Qarun, NSCE provided training on climate change adaptation practices and sustainable commercial climate-smart agriculture.

Facilitating access to technical and business advice services for women-led MSMEs, women farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in the Fayoum Governorate is a key aim of this capacity-building project.