In Naqada, Upper Egypt, silk weaving is giving women like Sumaya Mohamed a new sense of purpose and independence. Once struggling to find work, Sumaya discovered opportunity through a weaving workshop run by the Egypt Network for Integrated Development (ENID), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). What began as hesitation soon turned into passion, as she mastered the traditional art of “Ferka” weaving and eventually rose to lead a team of 20 young women. Today, she not only contributes to preserving a centuries-old craft but also provides for her family and her daughter’s education.
Her story reflects a broader transformation in Upper Egypt, where ENID has been creating sustainable jobs and strengthening communities since 2012. With backing from AECID and UNDP, a new two-year initiative is revitalizing Naqada’s silk industry by modernizing the entire value chain—from silkworm breeding and cocoon production to weaving and manufacturing. The project integrates sustainability, with a 200-fedan mulberry farm irrigated by treated wastewater and over 60% of operations powered by solar energy, tapping into Spain’s renewable energy expertise.
Temporary training sites already host more than 40 looms, and 138 women have been trained in weaving and carpet production. A new manufacturing unit, scheduled to open in August 2025, will provide a permanent hub for training artisans in both traditional skills and modern techniques, ensuring that the industry grows while preserving its heritage.
The ENID Sericulture Value Chain Project demonstrates how traditional crafts can be revitalized to create long-term livelihoods. For women like Sumaya, silk weaving is no longer just a cultural legacy but a pathway to financial independence, education, and community development. What was once a fading tradition has now become a source of resilience and opportunity, weaving together the threads of heritage and hope for a stronger future.
