In Arabic, Osta means “Master of the Craft,” a legacy of skill, beauty, and precision. Once a title for Egypt’s finest male artisans, we proudly revive it for men and women alike as Ostawat. Every piece they create carries the soul of Egyptian craftsmanship—timeless, authentic, and worth preserving for generations.
Ostawat is a social impact initiative proudly launched by Waqfeyat Misr Foundation — a pioneering nonprofit that revives the traditional Islamic concept of waqf (endowment) to support sustainable development in Egypt.
Through this partnership, Ostawat empowers women, preserves Egypt’s rich textile heritage, and creates lasting economic impact — not as charity, but through dignity and opportunity.
Where dreams are stitched into global success.
Our Ostawat envision an academy to train women in every facet of the textile business—craft, design, branding, and export. Powered by an endowment (waqf) for lasting sustainability, the Academy will turn Egyptian craftswomanship into a world-renowned brand.
“I had never touched a sewing machine before. Step by step, I learned, created, and found confidence I never knew I had. Today, I dream of running my own home-based business.
“Joining Ostawat changed how I see myself. I can now create high-quality products, and I’m saving to buy my own machine to start a small workshop
“I was scared of making mistakes. But Ostawat taught me patience and precision. My first finished product — a fitted sheet — reminded me that I can achieve anything.
Crafts created
Women Embowered
Training hours
The success of Ostawat Misr has been made possible through the steadfast support of distinguished partners who share our commitment to social innovation, women’s economic empowerment, heritage preservation, and sustainable development.
Through meaningful collaborations with embassies, financial institutions, and private sector entities, Ostawat Misr has expanded its reach, deepened its impact, and remained resilient in the face of global challenges. These strategic alliances continue to play a critical role in advancing our mission and creating long-term, systemic change.
In October 2020, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the French Embassy in Egypt, led by H.E. Stéphane Romatet, partnered with the Waqfeyat Misr Foundation to address the urgent needs of vulnerable women workers.
This collaboration enabled home-based women artisans to continue producing protective masks and textiles through the Ostawat Program, ensuring both their safety and income security. The partnership stands as a model of resilience and international solidarity in times of crisis.
In June 2021, Dr. Marwa El Daly, Founder of Waqfeyat Misr, welcomed H.E. Cyrille Jean Nunn, Ambassador of Germany to Egypt, to review the outcomes of a key partnership focused on artisanal empowerment.
The German Embassy’s support helped secure income streams for Ostawat trainees while maintaining continuous vocational training during the pandemic. This collaboration reflects a shared belief in inclusive development and the value of preserving local craftsmanship.
As a leading supporter of women’s financial inclusion, QNB contributed significantly to the growth and scalability of the Ostawat Misr program. Through strategic funding and technical collaboration, QNB enabled the program to enhance its production capacity and reach new beneficiaries.
This partnership represents a strong alignment between corporate social responsibility and sustainable community development.
The Pearl Hotel collaborated with Ostawat Misr to incorporate locally handcrafted products into its hospitality offering — integrating social impact into its guest experience and elevating Egypt’s artisanal identity.
This partnership not only created market access for female artisans but also brought authentic, handmade craftsmanship into commercial spaces — bridging design, culture, and empowerment.