Empower vulnerable Christian women in Egypt

7 February 2020

Egyptian Christian Souad (aged 70) was stripped naked and dragged through the streets of her village; seven Christian homes were set on fire. This 2016 incident was one of the worst attacks on Egyptian Christian women, but it is common for them to be kidnapped and forced to marry a Muslim.

You can help these vulnerable women through a transformative Barnabas project in rural Upper Egypt.

Christian women receive practical help and loans to set up their own micro-enterprises
Christian women receive practical help and loans to set up their own micro-enterprises

Strengthen vulnerable Christian women

“I learned to read and write. I learned to add and subtract. No one can cheat me now,” said “Ruth” (48), who lives with her elderly mother in a small village. They barely survive on a tiny pension. But now Ruth has learned enough maths to spot when a market trader tries to trick her. Encouraged by her new skills, she has begun selling homemade sweets and cakes to supplement her income.

Women gain training and support to start a small business

Barnabas Fund is working with partners in Egypt to run programmes that help Christian women gain literacy and numeracy, vocational training skills and home skills. Microloans are provided to help women start up their own small businesses such as hairdressing, tailoring and sewing, food production and crafts. The project also offers Bible studies and medical support.

A Christian woman receives sewing training from the Barnabas supported project
A Christian woman receives sewing training from the Barnabas supported project

The focus is on helping widows and other female-headed households. According to local custom, widows should not re-marry, so they remain without any provision or protection.

You can bring them help and hope

Please give now – or set up a regular monthly donation.

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