The art/culture columnist, Pamela Kesrouani, in Sunday’s issue of Al Mustaqbal newspaper said Egyptian trademarks have been in the pursuit of rural women in marginalized areas and who are skilled in handicrafts, like sewing, embroidery and crochet, to more refined jewelry making projects. The purpose is to bring to light the rich history of the North African state in the distinctive creations of craftswomen, and at the same time, empower them financially to support their families and encourage them to pass on their talents to future generations. For more insight on the subject, Kesrouani spoke to the administrative director of Fair Trade Egypt, Mona Sayyid, who praised her organization’s pioneering efforts in backing women artisans. Since 1998, we have been on the lookout for artisans to offer them the necessary training, as well as, the development of their products through proper follow-up, and provision of new designs which allow them to compete in the local and international markets, Sayyid boasted. Many involved associations are doing the same now and this is seen as a positive step towards easing the country’s economic crisis, she said. The initiative contributes to raising awareness on the quality of handmade artifacts, as well as, promotes the value of women’s work through empowerment of female craftworkers to access the labor market. For her part, Egyptian designer, Noura Mossallem, stressed that in order to create innovative collections of accessories, handbags, cushions and other inspirational pieces, she buys fabrics from the Upper Egypt province of Saeed. She also organizes specialized workshops for 15 women in the town of Bulaq, where beneficiaries employ their talents and skills to fashion handbags, soft furniture and personal accessories. Similarly, Jocelyne Khawly founder of Jozee Boutique said she relies on Bedouin women for ethnical embroidery to embellish her collection of leather bags, clothes and accessories. (Al Hayat, August 20, 2017)
