How Egyptian women are working to counter rising prices
Egypt’s consumers are fighting massive price increases by exchanging used goods on social media.
Nilli Zaher, an Egyptian woman in her 30s who works as an accountant for one of the country’s largest firms, did not wish to stand idly by amid what she describes as a massive price increase for basic goods, especially clothing. Although her job provides her with an income that meets her and her family’s needs, with the support of her friends, Zaher launched a Facebook group where members can put up a basket of used clothes that they no longer need for barter or sale. The group goes by the name "Women Against Rising Prices.”
Zaher believes that many Egyptians are unable to purchase their basic necessities, particularly clothing. Speaking to Al-Monitor, she said that prices for many goods “have doubled more than once over the last two years,” and, according to her, those prices have no controls worth mentioning and there is no official body in Egypt that can get them under control.
Zaher said that Egyptians have grown accustomed to stockpiling many clothes, even when they do not need them. She also claimed that the economic conditions that Egyptians are now experiencing have forced them to consider bartering these stockpiled clothes or selling them at reduced prices from what the market could command, as long as they are in good shape.
She said that the main goal of her Facebook group is to promote a culture where Egyptians are not embarrassed to purchase used goods and to assist one another in buying high-quality clothing in good condition at far below market price. And, in her view, most of these goals are being realized. Zaher stressed that nearly 30% of the deals showcased on the Facebook group are acceptable to both parties. So much so that it has caused group members to search for other items to post for sale, such as household appliances and occasionally books.
