Barclays Egypt supports the Young Women’s Leadership Project – a programme designed to help women aged between 18 and 25 realise their career potential.

The objective is to help 1,800 candidates gain the confidence and skills they need to enter employment. Underprivileged university graduates who meet the criteria of showing ambition and commitment receive training in areas from computer literacy to women’s rights and gender equality issues.

Barclays volunteers act as mentors for the young women taking part in the programme, speaking at motivational lectures, offering one-to-one career counselling and sharing their advice and expertise.

Through a curriculum including career days, educational excursions and interaction, the candidates enjoy being part of a valuable training programme which legitimises social activity away from the home.

The company has invested EGP 1m (£99,300) in the project, and pledges to provide 100 internship opportunities for the top performers who complete the programme.

The programme currently operates in the districts of Cairo, Minya and Beni Suef.

 

Project targets

To empower young girls with the skills and training needed to successfully enter into employment.

To ensure the successful completion of at least 80% of the girls targeted

To provide 100 internship opportunities for the top performers

 

Impacts to date

Seven community committees were formulated comprised of public, private, and civil society sectors to be held monthly for the duration of the project

Seven community resource centres fully equipped, furnished and operational. The venues are composed of two equipped training halls, one for inter-development skills and advocacy topics courses and the other for computer sessions and internet usage. Each hall is able to host 20 – 25 individuals at a time. Capacity building sessions conducted for seven partner CDAs

Selection of 300 candidates selected from three governorates (Cairo, Minya, and Beni Suef)

Ehlan's story

The Young Women’s Leadership Programme offered Ehlan, a 22-year-old graduate, her first step on the career ladder.

Having acquired a taste for education and independence at university, Ehlan strongly believes in the empowerment of women and the improvement of their status in economic and social arenas.

Ehlan joined the programme as a trainer, helping students on the scheme learn basic life and language skills. But Ehlan learned a lot from the programme too.

Through seminars and coursework, she developed her presentation skills and confidence, and now aims to become a woman of influence in her local community and pursue a rewarding career.

Related projects