About Sawa for Economic Empowerment
This space was born for women who have weathered storms and carried more than their share of heaviness, and who still dare to search for a beginning shaped by hope and resilience.
Sawa was named by the women themselves
Women who wake up each day with the courage to give life another chance. They do this together, forming circles of support and creating what they love most: their craft.
Our Story
In 2023, a collaboration began between the National Council for Women (NCW) and the UNFPA to support women who have navigated difficult hardships, and others seeking a fresh start filled with new hope. The goal was to provide real economic opportunities—helping them build a stable, dignified life through learning a craft that allows them to rely on themselves.
Sawa offers women a path toward economic independence, restoring confidence in their value and their ability to craft a new future.
Our Impact
The program began with four training centers and has expanded to include artisans from eight governorates in Egypt:
Cairo
Giza
Beni Suef
Qalyubia
Alexandria
Fayoum
Assiut
Qena
Luxor
To date, more than 700 women have been trained in high-value crafts, including embroidery, sewing, leatherwork, pottery, copper, crochet, macrame, and jewelry making.
This platform was created to showcase their work, and to honor the persistence, patience, and quiet strength woven into every piece they create.
The Meaning of Sawa
At first, we believed the name should reflect strength alone; rising, rebuilding, trying again. But after listening to the women’s stories, we saw something we could not unsee: Resilience is not strength alone. It is belonging. Resilience begins when a woman finds a place where she truly feels at home. A place that offers safety. Support. Space to grow.
The women found this place in Sawa: in their crafts, in their relationships with one another, and in the circles they form together.
When you hold a piece shaped by the women of Sawa, you are holding a story of endurance, learning, and the quiet decision to keep going. And above all, you are holding a reminder that you are not alone. Find the place that feels like you. Find the circle that truly holds you.
The women of Sawa believe their stories can strengthen another woman,
opening a small door toward a different beginning.
Our Values
We believe every woman deserves the space to rebuild with dignity. The space to learn, to create, and to stand confidently on her own. We believe craft carries more than function. It carries meaning. Economic Independence. Choice.
Sawa in Numbers
Partners
National Council for Women:
The National Council for Women (NCW): The National Council for Women is the national entity responsible for advancing women’s rights and supporting their social and economic participation. The Council oversees units and safe spaces across various governorates, providing protection, training, and guidance to women and girls,especially those facing difficult circumstances or risks. Through the implementation of national strategies and collaboration with partners, the Council works to empower women to build stable sources of income, enhancing their independence and ability to chart a more sustainable life path. To learn more: https://ncw.gov.eg/
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): UNFPA works to promote women's rights, support their health, and empower them to access a safer and more independent life. In Egypt, the Fund focuses on strengthening protection systems for survivors of gender-based violence and developing services that help women regain self-confidence and acquire new skills that open real economic doors. Through its programs and partnerships, UNFPA places women's dignity and their ability to make decisions at the heart of its work. To learn more: https://egypt.unfpa.org/en/topics/family-planning
