As World Telecommunications and Information Society Day is commemorated this year with a focus on gender equality in digital transformation, attention turns to the transformative power of technology in the lives of women across Egypt. Central to progress in Egypt is the Qodwa-Tech initiative, launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Qodwa-Tech’s Mission and Reach
Since its inception in 2019, Qodwa-Tech has been actively empowering women across all governorates of Egypt. The initiative has reportedly trained over 32,000 women so far. Its core mission is to bridge the gender digital divide by equipping women with essential digital skills. These skills range from social media marketing and e-commerce to more advanced areas such as artificial intelligence. Beyond technical training, the initiative also focuses on fostering leadership capabilities among its beneficiaries.
Abeer’s Journey: Art to Digital Entrepreneurship
The Qodwa-Tech initiative has reportedly transformed the lives of many women beneficiaries, showcasing stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership. One such story is that of Abeer Saad ElDin, a Qodwa-Tech beneficiary. Abeer’s journey began with a passion for creating miniature models depicting life scenes from Egyptian and Arab heritage. Her handcrafted art was unique, but she reportedly doubted whether she could turn her hobby into a sustainable business.
She faced internal barriers and external doubts, particularly given her personal challenges. Abeer is a person with a disability and has a weakness in her auditory nerve, a condition with no available treatment or surgical intervention. She relies on a hearing aid, but her hearing ability gradually diminishes with age. Despite these challenges, her determination reportedly did not waver.
Abeer states that when the “Qodwa-Tech” initiative entered her life, everything changed. She recalls her initial feelings about joining the program, stating, “Qodwa-Tech supported me from the beginning — I was nervous and unsure. I thought my ideas were crazy.” She found that the training sessions boosted her confidence. “But each training session gave me more confidence. I learned digital marketing and how to promote my work, price it properly, and finally, how to use artificial intelligence tools to enhance my creations.” Through the skills acquired, Abeer’s miniature art has reportedly gained recognition beyond Egypt’s borders.
She is not only selling her work internationally but also producing a book on her craft, directly attributing these achievements to the program. Abeer expresses pride in her journey, stating, “Thanks to Qodwa-Tech, I found my voice, and I now teach others to appreciate and celebrate our culture.” Her story is presented as a testament to how access to digital skills and new technologies can empower women to become creative entrepreneurs and community leaders. Abeer concludes her reflection on her journey by stating, “My journey is proof that women can shape their destinies when given the right tools and support.”
Rabab’s Revival: Art, Technology, and Resilience
Another inspiring story is that of Rabab Ibrahim Yousry, a former engineer and Qodwa-Tech beneficiary. Rabab reportedly faced a life-changing accident that impaired her hand. With determination, she reportedly channeled her energy and pain into the art of decoupage on porcelain and wooden plates, turning to creativity to overcome adversity. Her work, described as distinctive and personalized, began gaining recognition, but she reportedly recognized the need to evolve further in the digital age. She states that when she joined the “Qodwa-Tech” program, everything shifted for her approach to her art and business.
Rabab highlights the impact of the technology skills she acquired. She explains, “The artificial intelligence skills I learned transformed my approach. Now, I can craft designs faster, gather inspiration more efficiently, and connect with clients worldwide.” The adoption of AI skills reportedly expanded her reach significantly. Her orders reportedly extended beyond Egypt, reaching customers in Qatar and Jordan, marking significant milestones in her career as a digital entrepreneur.
Rabab shares how the initiative impacted her outlook and capabilities, stating, “This initiative gave me a new outlook. For the first time, I feel organized, confident, and capable of leading my own creative business.” Her story is presented as an example of how technology and support can provide a new purpose and a way to empower oneself after facing significant challenges. Rabab’s experience leads her to conclude, “When women are supported with technology and knowledge, they become unstoppable—creating, leading, and inspiring.”
Broader Impact and Digital Inclusion
The stories of Abeer and Rabab exemplify the profound impact of the “Qodwa-Tech” initiative. The program is described as empowering women at every stage, from those starting as novice hobbyists to those aspiring to become successful entrepreneurs. Their journeys highlight the importance of digital skills, leadership development, and access to innovative technologies in bridging the gender gap in the digital age. As their achievements are celebrated, the source emphasizes that digital transformation is not solely about technology itself.
It is also about empowering people to lead change within their communities, their industries, and their own lives. The source concludes by congratulating the inspiring beneficiaries of Qodwa-Tech, stating that their stories demonstrate what women can achieve when provided with equal opportunities in a digital world.
