In the words of Asmaa Gweida: “Rabeha programme didn’t just equip me with training skills; it was the safe space that helped guide my professional journey”

With confident steps and a passion for learning, 24-year-old Asmaa Gweida from Beheira Governorate embarked on her professional journey through volunteering and freelancing while pursuing a degree in Archaeology at the Faculty of Arts. Although her academic background differed from the career path she chose, she started working early as an independent trainer, teaching children life skills in schools and youth centers.

Her early passion for community development and training led her to the “Rabeha” Joint Programme, which she discovered by chance while browsing social media. What began as a training opportunity became a transformative journey. Asmaa not only participated as a trainee, but later graduated as a certified trainer and secured her current role as a Professional Development Specialist at an academy affiliated with Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

“My journey with Rabeha started purely by chance. I was scrolling through Facebook and LinkedIn when I came across an announcement about the programme. I applied, and they reached out to me. The training came at a time when I needed it most. I was in a transitional phase, trying to figure out my future and define my career path, especially since my passion leaned more towards development and training than my academic background. I joined in search of an impactful experience that could guide me, and I carefully observed the trainers and their diverse professional backgrounds to gain the maximum personal and professional benefit.

During the training, I found everything I expected and more. The programme did not only focus on traditional employability skills; it also covered new areas that reshaped how I saw myself professionally, such as personal branding. We learned how to highlight our unique skills and strengths and build a professional identity that makes us stand out in the job market. This was not only theoretical. We applied it practically by learning how to optimize our LinkedIn profiles, build strong professional networks, and write compelling CVs that capture employers' attention.

The real turning point for me was developing essential life skills and building self-confidence. The training focused on understanding different personality types and learning how to interact with them thoughtfully, both inside and outside the workplace, through interactive simulations and role-playing exercises. This part of the training brought about a major shift in my personality, making me more adaptable and better equipped to lead discussions and negotiate, especially with the continuous follow-up and mentorship sessions that helped us grow step by step.

The biggest surprise after graduating from “Rabeha” was the unexpected job opportunities that followed. Organizations began reaching out simply because my CV highlighted that I was a “Rabeha” graduate! This led to a nomination to work with Career 180, an education technology start-up, on a three-month project, after which they invited me back as a trainer and mentor. The programme's certificate and practical experience opened real doors for me and gave me the confidence to stand out professionally.

Always eager to build on what I learn, my journey didn’t stop after graduation. Following ”Rabeha”, I was selected alongside a group of outstanding female graduates to attend a Training of Trainers course at the American University in Cairo (AUC). That experience was a major milestone. My perspective shifted completely as I transitioned from receiving knowledge to delivering it and empowering others. Having lived every detail of the journey as a trainee, I deeply understood what participants needed—an insight that later strengthened my ability to collaborate with international organizations.

The skills and tools I gained from the Training of Trainers course also enriched my freelance work, where I train young people aged 10 to 14 at innovation centers. Recently, I completely revamped my curriculum, introducing essential new modules on entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Simplifying these complex concepts for children came naturally because I now have a solid foundation and strong facilitation skills acquired through “Rabeha” programme.

Today, I work as a Professional Development Specialist at an academy affiliated with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, guiding students as they shape their career paths and futures, while also pursuing my postgraduate studies in archaeology. If I could offer one heartfelt piece of advice to young women—especially fresh graduates and university seniors—it would be to join “Rabeha”. I know this transitional phase can feel overwhelming, but programmes like “Rabeha” can provide a safe and empowering space to guide your career, uncover your strengths, and build a solid future.”

The “Rabeha” Joint Programme is implemented by UN Women Egypt and UNIDO Egypt, in partnership with the National Council for Women, the Ministry of Industry, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), with the generous support ofthe Government of Canada, represented by the Embassy of Canada to Egypt.