The prevalence of poverty in Egypt is concentrated in rural areas, and is much more pronounced in Upper-than Lower Egypt. Asyut and Suhag stand out as the govemorates with the highest poverty rates in the country, with figures reaching 66.0% and 65.8% respectively according to the World Bank. Gender disparity: women's participation in the workforce is low (17.7%) compared to men (82.3%). Young women limited labor participation due to lack of opportunities is a wasted potential, and low female participation in the workforce limits overall economic potential and gender equality. Women earn less than men and face discrimination in hiring and promotion within formal and informal jobs, which affect their participation as well.

Furthemore, in Upper Egypt, youth unemployment led to increased poverty levels and mental health issues among youth and families, which hinder their participation in the labor market. A recent labor force survey shows that a staggering 55% of unemployed individuals are youth, concentrated in the 20-29 age group. Youth who completed their education yet are unemployed: graduates with intermediate, advanced, and university degrees make up a large share (82.7%) of the unemployed youth.

The project aims to directly benefit 6,900 families in Asyut, Suhag and Qena (or) Fayoum Govemorates. The project will indirectly benefit around 20,700 beneficiaries as household members.

The targeted groups include:
- Female-headed household and their families

- Young women from 15 to 35 years old with basic and advanced education certificates

- 15% male participants from 15 to 49 years old

Outcome 1: 2800 Ultra-poor female-headed households will have income, met basic needs, improved social integration, and grained financial literacy, such that these households will be on a sustainable pathway out of poverty.

Outcome 2: 4100 Young women and men, have acquired high-quality vocational and soft skills, and they secured decent jobs in ICT and healthcare sectors.
- 85% women and 15% men

Risultati principali attesi:  

Output 1.1: Ultra-poor female-headed households have been socially protected through cash support.

Output 1.2: Ultra-poor female-headed households have diversified sources of income.

Output 1.3: Ultra-poor female-headed households have the knowledge and skills for financial inclusion and are using financial inclusion tools such as saving groups.

Output 1.4: Ultra-poor female-headed households have been socially integrated, such that they are able to participate meaningfully in community interactions and events with a capacity to property express themselves with confidence.

Output 1.5:  Strenghtened community instititutions and networks to implement ultra-poor interventions.

Output 2.1: Young women received high-quality technical training.

Output 2.2: Young women gained labour market skills.

Output 2.3: Young women gained access to decent employment.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

From 2019 to 2024 Ataa Association with the support of Sawiris Foundation managed to support 4,480 families out of poverty and to help 3,520 young girls to access decent jobs in ICT and healthcare sectors.

Ataa Association and Sawiris Foundation implemented and impact evaluation study for previous phases which proves the positive impact of the intervention and methodologies that were employed to support households in Ultra-poor conditions to generate income and to meet their basic needs. Also, the impact evaluation found that the project's high-quality trainings for employment led to young women generating income through securing new jobs.

The project will contribute to geographically scaling up the proven successful activities from previous phases of both approaches with young women and female-headed households with a focus on specific sectors such as the ICT, healthcare, sales and marketing, tourism and hospitality, and agriculture.

Projects:

- Youth for Future (UNICEF)
- Gender Project (UNFPA)
- Remote Coders
- TEVT Project (GIZ)

National Actors:

- Ministry of Social Solidarity (MoSS)