Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) in Egypt
The Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) in Egypt offered leadership and professional skills training to young women in Egypt, empowering them to take active roles in their communities.
Through a partnership with the Center for Development Services (CDS) and USAID, IREX built the outreach and service capacity of seven local NGOs and resource centers. IREX also strengthened civil society networks in Egypt through a small-grant initiative for community-development projects.
This project is now closed.
Goals
• Equip young women with the skills, confidence, and experience to become future leaders in the public arena
• Improve democratic governance in Egypt by increasing public participation, particularly that of young women
• Build the capacity of seven NGOs and resource centers to support young women in their leadership and outreach initiatives, strengthening the network of civil-society organizations in Egypt
• Increase the promotion and acceptance of women’s civil and social equality in Egypt
Background
Economic development and women’s empowerment are closely related goals. As Egypt seeks to maximize its considerable economic and political potential, it possesses a distinct interest in making the most use of all its human capital, male and female. YWLP equipped young women with technical and professional skills, leadership training, and the confidence to become leaders in their communities. By promoting greater female participation in business, civil society, and public debate, YWLP aimed to support the economic and political development of Egypt at the individual and community levels.
Project Activities
Training young women in leadership, advocacy, and practical skills: YWLP Egypt offered ICT and English-language training, developing professional and life skills that further women’s role in societal advancement.
Applying acquired skills: YWLP participants implemented community-level advocacy projects that built on their training experiences.
Encouraging Egyptian role models: YWLP connected its participants with prominent women in the public and private sectors, fostering professional and personal mentoring relationships.
Additional Links
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Project Facts
600 young women aged 18 to 25 received training in the fields of leadership, advocacy, information technology, and English.
The 600 total participants implemented outreach programs that connected with 2,400 additional Egyptian young women aged 13 to 17.
The YWLP curriculum included 18 seminars on educational and career options for young women. The curriculum also incorporated one-on-one mentoring and sessions that involved participants’ families.
