In 2022, Nawal Moustafa was awarded the Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment in the Individual Champions category, catalyzing significant progress in her mission to transform the lives of marginalized women in Egypt. Her initiatives promote sustainable development, community engagement, and resilience, with a strong focus on improving the economic and social conditions of former inmates and indebted women.
In 2023, Nawal launched two brands for women’s economic empowerment: “Shilded” and “Bnota.” “Shilded” specializes in home décor and natural leather products, while “Bnota” produces culturally inspired laptop bags. These initiatives go beyond market innovation, providing essential vocational training in leather crafting, macramé, and embroidery. More than 58 disadvantaged women have been empowered through these projects, gaining both skills and opportunities to reintegrate into decent employment.
Nawal has also leveraged new funding and partnerships, notably with Ashoka Arab World for the Phoenix Project, which aims to economically and socially empower 50 women and their families by providing stable income opportunities and pathways to independence. In parallel, the “White Page” project seeks to erase the criminal records of former female debtors and inmates, easing their reintegration into society. Both initiatives are supported by Nawal’s foundation, “New Life.”
In 2023, the foundation expanded its operations to new regions, including Ain Shams, Dar es Salaam, and El Matareya, dramatically increasing its outreach. Impact is measured through key indicators such as income levels and job placement rates, showing tangible improvements in beneficiaries’ lives.
Equally important is Nawal’s effort to challenge the stigma faced by former inmates. Through a multi-faceted awareness campaign—using social media, press coverage, and public conferences—her foundation works to reform public perceptions and advocate for the rights and potential of these women. One inspiring story is that of B., who, burdened by debts and driven to extreme measures such as considering selling her kidney, found a new beginning through Nawal’s programs. With support from the foundation, B. launched a vegetable-selling business, transforming her life and securing a sustainable income for her family.
Looking ahead, Nawal plans to expand her initiatives to other Egyptian governorates with high numbers of female inmates, and eventually to other countries where marginalized women face similar challenges. Her goals include continued improvement of women’s employability and ensuring access to dignified and sustainable work opportunities.