Celebrating The Wins of Ashoka Fellow in Egypt Nawal Mostafa
Under the patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, four outstanding women entrepreneurs from Cairo, Giza, Fayoum, and Marsa Matrouh were honored as winners of the 6th edition of the Nawal Mostafa Competition for Women Entrepreneurs – Heritage Crafts and Handmade Products.
Launched in February, this year’s competition opened its doors to women over 18 across Egypt, attracting an impressive 485 applications. Ten finalists made it to the shortlist, each showcasing innovative projects rooted in creativity and cultural heritage.
A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage
Given the fierce competition, the judging panel awarded two third-place winners, granting each the full monetary prize.
- First Place: Hanaa El-Shorbiny for her project Shali
- Second Place: Kristy Raouf for Aziza Studio
- Joint Third Place: Eman Suleiman for her namesake brand and Eman Kotb for Dokkan Zaman
The competition featured two main award categories:
- Financial Grants for three winners to expand their small businesses.
- Seven Specialized Training Scholarships in entrepreneurship and small business management to help participants sustain and grow their projects.
More Than Awards: A Platform for Empowerment
The event also hosted a lively exhibition featuring the work of all ten finalists, attracting strong interest from attendees. The competition aims to support and empower women with skills in handicrafts and heritage products, preserve Egypt’s cultural identity, and encourage creative, small-scale businesses that combine artistry with economic opportunity.
In her speech, Nawal Mostafa, Ashoka Fellow, writer and Founder of the Children of Female Prisoners Association, expressed deep pride in the women who have transformed dreams into real businesses despite challenges. She emphasized that the competition has become a vital platform for discovering and supporting talented women, not only by showcasing their products but by creating genuine opportunities for expansion and social impact.
A Shared Vision for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Speaking on behalf of Minister Dr. Maya Morsy, Dr. Engy El-Yamani, Executive Director of the Fund for Supporting Rural and Environmental Industries, praised the initiative as an integral part of Egypt’s economic empowerment efforts for women under Egypt Vision 2030. She highlighted that investing in women means investing in families, communities, and cultural heritage, while opening promising economic horizons.
A Story Beyond the Stage
The ceremony also featured the screening of Qadar Bela Ikhtiyar (“Fate Without Choice”), a short film created by Canadian University media students, shedding light on the issue of children of female prisoners. The film’s team was honored for their creative and socially conscious storytelling.
Since its launch in 2020, the Nawal Mostafa Competition has been more than an award — it is a lifeline for women artisans, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, helping them transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods. This year’s edition reaffirmed a simple truth: when women’s creativity is nurtured, entire communities thrive.
