I gained so much valuable experience from this trip. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.
Women’s Empowerment in Egypt
Purpose
Help empower women
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Saturday of the Month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3-5 hours of a day
Age
Volunteers ages 18+
Accommodation
Volunteer apartments
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers with an open mind, and a flexible attitude can make a real impact on the lives of women in Egypt. This program focuses on helping women develop new skills and gain knowledge that can improve their job prospects and independence. Areas of support may include language development, professional skills, and confidence-building activities.
Project details
Empower women in Cairo through skill development and expanded opportunities. Volunteer at local community centers and NGOs to share your experiences and inspire women with limited exposure outside their own communities. Your support can make a real difference in their lives.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
This initiative fosters a secure and encouraging learning space for women to develop and discover new possibilities. Recognizing cultural sensitivities in specific regions of Egypt, this project exclusively welcomes female volunteers.
Many Egyptian women experience challenges like poverty, unemployment, and restricted educational access, affecting their families. To combat these issues, various programs offer educational opportunities and vocational training, empowering women to find employment, achieve financial independence, and provide for their families.
As a Women’s Education volunteer in Egypt, you will contribute to local centers focused on enhancing the educational and professional capabilities of women and girls, fostering their self-reliance. Given the cultural importance of food in Egypt, some initiatives also involve teaching women commercial cooking skills for income generation.
Your volunteer tasks will be shaped by your abilities, Arabic language skills, and the duration of your commitment. While Women’s Empowerment volunteer roles can differ, common activities include:
- Culinary training and food preparation
- Arts and crafts
- Embroidery and fashion design
- Sewing
- Computer literacy
- Small business development
Why do Women’s Empowerment volunteering in Egypt with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with women in Egypt you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving quality of life for disadvantaged women and girls
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Practicing your Arabic
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Egyptian culture
- Exploring Cairo and Egypt
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our <a href=https://www.volunteerhq.org/high-school-volunteer-abroad/>High School Volunteer Abroad</a> to explore these options.
This project is available for female volunteers only.
All volunteers must supply the local team with a CV after registration.
While it is not a requirement of the program, we do suggest volunteers become familiar with some basic Arabic phrases to aid in their placement experience.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Egypt photo gallery
Outdoor Peer Learning Circle Under Trees
Focused Drawing & Creative Literacy
Clothing Donation and Resource Room
Team Building Among Young Female Leaders
Digital Literacy and Video Editing Class
Sewing Skills Development Workshop
Creative Arts & Expression Through Stenciling
Technical Instruction in Business Training Session
Classroom-Based Women’s Education Workshop
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Cairo, Egypt’s historic capital, boasts the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, offering a captivating mix of ancient wonders and modern life. Beyond typical tourist experiences, its lively streets, traditional markets, and the Nile River provide an immersive cultural experience.
Despite Egypt’s rich heritage and growing economy in some areas, many communities still struggle with limited access to education, healthcare, and animal welfare. Volunteers are crucial in supporting local efforts to improve living standards and provide essential aid. Located in and around Cairo, volunteer opportunities allow participants to make a real difference while experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.
Arrival and orientation
All Egypt volunteer projects start on the first and third Saturday of each month. Participants must arrive in Cairo the Friday before their selected start date.
After registering, book flights to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Airport pickup is included in the program fee. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transport you to the volunteer accommodation, approximately 45 minutes away (depending on traffic). This accommodation, covered by the program fee, includes the night before the mandatory full-day orientation on Saturday.
If you are already in Egypt, pickup from a central Cairo meeting point can be arranged for the Friday before your program begins.
The Saturday orientation, led by the local team in Cairo, covers essential information for your volunteer experience: an introduction to Cairo, local customs, rules, expectations, safety guidelines, travel opportunities within Egypt, and an overview of your specific project and placement. This session also provides an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays
You can expect to work a minimum of 3 hours, Sunday through Thursday. A typical day would be as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer apartment. |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 12:00 - 2:30 PM | Lunch is served at the volunteer apartment. |
| 7:30 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer apartment. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
In Egypt, the work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday considered the weekend. During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or explore other parts of Cairo and Egypt. Cairo is home to some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Nile River.
Beyond Cairo, Egypt is home to a wealth of incredible attractions further afield, including Luxor & The Valley of the Kings, Aswan & Abu Simbel, The White Desert, Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, The Red Sea Riviera, Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Beyond Cairo’s famous attractions, Egypt offers a wealth of history, adventure, and natural beauty. To make the most of your trip, consider planning and pre-booking excursions to these sites through IVHQ. Contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager for more information and to secure your bookings for these unique Egyptian experiences.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel alongside fellow volunteers, sharing a room with up to three others of the same gender. Each room is equipped with a Western-style bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Bedding and towels are provided for your convenience.
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and has an onsite restaurant. For staying connected while exploring, you can easily purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone which the local team will be happy to assist you with.
Meals
Volunteers enjoy three meals a day on Sunday through Thursday at their accommodation. Breakfast is usually either continental or a light Egyptian-style spread, while dinner features lighter mixed platters such as falafel, dips, beans, bread, eggs, and fresh produce. Lunch is the main meal of the day, offering a hearty selection of meats, breads, rice dishes, salads, and vegetables, with dinner also including a variety of these options.
On weekends (Friday and Saturday in Egypt), breakfast is provided at the hotel, however volunteers can taste the cuisine at local restaurants for lunch and dinner (not included in the program fee).
Bottled water is easily accessible in Cairo, and a suggested budget is AU$15 per week for two liters daily. Please inform us of any special dietary needs when applying so we can accommodate them.
Common area in the Hotel Accommodation
Volunteer bedroom in the accommodation
Volunteer bedroom in the accommodation
Dining area in the accommodation
Volunteer bedroom in the accommodation
Koshari – Egypt’s National Dish
Stuffed Baladi Bread with Pickles
Mahshi – Stuffed Vegetables Platter
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately AU$523), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$523) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $729 Equivalent to $104/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,019 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,309 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,599 Equivalent to $57/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,889 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,179 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,759 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,339 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,919 Equivalent to $47/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$523) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Weekday (Sunday to Thursday) meals and basic meals supplies on weekends
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Egypt
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Egypt program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from Cairo back to the airport arranged by our local team.
AU$55
Affordable Arabic language lessons
- 10, 20, 30 and 40 hour packages available
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: Once you’ve paid your registration fee, you will be able to select language lessons as an “Add-on” via your MyIVHQ profile.
Check what's required to visit Egypt
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Cairo |
| Population | 10.2 million |
| Languages | Egyptian Arabic |
| Currency | Egyptian pound (EGP) |
| Time zone | GMT+3 |
Weather and climate: Egypt has an arid, desert climate and the weather in Cairo is always warm, or hot, and the nights cool as it has a subtropical-desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach the high 30s Celsius (86-95°F), especially in July and August, while winter temperatures average around 18°C (64°F). The city experiences occasional dust storms in March and April.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Mohammed Ahmed
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