Launched in September 2019, Buttonup quickly faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world, including Egypt, grappled with a severe shortage of medical supplies—particularly protective gowns—Buttonup took decisive action. We established a production line dedicated to crafting protective medical gowns, all designed and made by women in our workshop in Old Cairo.

This initiative not only addressed the critical need for medical supplies but also empowered economically vulnerable women by providing them with stable employment during a global crisis. In 2020, Buttonup redirected all its resources to this cause, successfully producing and delivering over 10,000 gowns to isolation hospitals across Egypt.

Our approach was multifaceted: we created a vital production line for protective medical apparel while strengthening local communities by involving them in innovative solutions to urgent national challenges. This successful pivot not only ensured the supply of essential medical equipment but also highlighted the significant role that women in local communities can play in overcoming such challenges.

Inspired by this success, Buttonup has since evolved to focus on empowering women and youth in local communities, enabling them to develop locally-driven solutions to Egypt’s most pressing issues. Today, we are committed to contributing to climate solutions through the creation of eco-friendly products, all crafted in the heart of our local communities.