Women’s economic empowerment is a key driver of sustainable development and social equity. Recognizing this, the Opportunities for Women in Agribusiness Project (OWAP), a project funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, is making significant strides in enhancing female employment and entrepreneurship in the agricultural manufacturing industry within Egypt’s Minya and Beni Suef governorates. By increasing women’s access to growth-oriented agribusiness opportunities, OWAP is enabling them to lead and participate in productive cooperatives, fostering resilience and innovation in the agri-food sector.

OWAP’s efforts are bearing fruit through hands-on training programs tailored to the specific needs of women’s cooperatives. In Beni Suef, for example, members of the “Min Khairha” cooperative in Al-Maimoun village and “Najmat Al-Zeitoun” cooperative in Al-Zeitoun village are receiving specialized training in food processing. This includes the preparation and pickling of olives and vegetables, skills that align with market demand and the region’s agricultural output. The training is conducted at a private sector factory that has partnered with OWAP, with the ultimate aim of establishing in-house production units within the cooperatives. These units will enable the cooperatives to process agricultural products locally, adding value and creating new income streams for their members.
Initially, OWAP focused on entrepreneurship training for women in the target communities. While these programs enhanced their understanding of business fundamentals, many participants faced challenges in starting businesses individually due to limited skills and experience. This prompted OWAP to pivot its approach and introduce the cooperative model. Through this initiative, women were inspired to join forces, pooling their resources and talents to create viable enterprises that could better withstand economic and social pressures.

The cooperative model has emerged as a cornerstone of OWAP’s strategy to empower women economically. This model allows women to collectively own, control, and operate agribusinesses that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially impactful. Women in Beni Suef and Minya have successfully registered three agrifood production cooperatives—two in Beni Suef Governorate and one in Minya Governorate. These cooperatives provide a pathway for women to escape the cycle of low-paid, insecure jobs in agribusiness by building skills, sharing resources, and working collaboratively.
OWAP’s innovative approach to women’s economic empowerment is transforming the lives of women in Minya and Beni Suef. Through skill-building, resource-sharing, and collective action, these cooperatives are creating a sustainable model for inclusive economic growth. As these women continue to gain confidence and capabilities, they are not only reshaping their own futures but also contributing to the resilience and prosperity of their communities.
The journey of these women exemplifies the potential of cooperative enterprises to drive systemic change. By supporting initiatives like OWAP, we can ensure that more women have the opportunity to thrive in the agribusiness sector and beyond, fostering equitable growth for generations to come.