Cairo: Spouses of Asian diplomats, including from India, are set to host a crafts bazaar in the Egyptian capital in a bid to raise funds for NGOs which work for women and children.
The Asian Diplomats' Spouses Association (ADSA) in Cairo will organise the annual bazaar in Cairo on November 12, association president Ranu Bhattacharyya on Monday told reporters at the India House in Zamalek.
11 Egyptian NGOs will participate in the bazaar along with 15 Asian countries, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Vietnam and Australia, said Ranu, wife of the Indian Ambassador in Cairo Sanjay Bhattacharyya.
"We come from counties which have seen women and children in need. And since we are here we would like to find ways to address that," Ranu said.
"These NGOs work with women and children and also they are promoting the crafts which are slowly dying out in Egypt," she pointed out.
"They will be offered tables in the bazaar and it shall be free of cost. So whatever money they make, it is for them to put it back into their own organisations," she said.
The press briefing was attended by Mandara Yogarajan, wife of Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Wang Jine, wife of Ambassador of China, Dwi Ria Latifa, wife of Ambassador of Indonesia, Hajah Sarimah, wife of Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam, and Dianne Hawkins, wife of Ambassador of Australia.
"Every year we sit together and update our charity activities and we see which organisation needs to be supported badly. We always stand by the Egyptian women and children and Egyptian people who need support," said Wang Jine, wife of Ambassador of China.
As customary, the Asian embassies will sell traditional hand-made products and the food for which their countries are famous.
Mandara Yogarajan, wife of Ambassador of Sri Lanka, said ASDA is keen on supporting Egyptian handcrafts.
"We keep those products that are dying and give a life to them so they can continue in Egypt through our support," she said.
Cultural performances from several Asian countries will be held during the bazaar which will take place in one of Cairo's 5-star hotels for a day.
"I think what makes this Asia bazaar different from other bazaars is the cultural performances that will be held. Last year the cultural performers ended up with every body dancing," Dianne Hawkins, wife of the Ambassador of Australia, said.
The bazaar will be inaugurated by Ghada Wali, the Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity, Ranu said.
