October 6, 2025
WoEgypt

When Rania Gohar took over leadership of GOHAR in 2011 after her father’s passing, she inherited more than a role—she embraced a mission. As the second-generation leader of one of Egypt’s top household product manufacturers, Rania has preserved the brand’s heritage while driving modernization, global expansion, and sustainability.

Balancing tradition with innovation, she has upheld GOHAR’s “Made in Egypt” commitment to quality while introducing eco-friendly technologies, digital operations, and new export markets. Beyond business, Rania champions youth and women empowerment, transforming GOHAR into a hub for talent development.

Under her guidance, GOHAR has evolved into a modern Egyptian brand with international reach, blending family values with forward-thinking leadership.

WoE: How would you describe your journey as a woman in the business and industrial world?

Rania Gohar: My journey has been a mix of challenge and passion. I grew up in a family environment that valued discipline and hard work, with my father as my primary mentor. From an early age, he instilled in me the importance of commitment and responsibility. This gave me a strong foundation, but it also meant entering a male-dominated field with an added layer of responsibility. I had to prove myself not only through my management skills but also with a distinct vision that balanced the necessary firmness of leadership with flexibility in dealing with my team. I view my personal success as a reflection of the success of Egyptian women in general, who prove every day that they are capable of leading major institutions.

WoE: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career?

RG: The biggest challenge was maintaining the continuity of a company that is more than four decades old while simultaneously introducing a new spirit that keeps pace with the times. Striking a balance between honouring our heritage and embracing innovation has never been easy, especially in the face of changing consumer preferences and rapidly evolving markets. Sometimes, we had to make difficult decisions, such as redesigning traditional products to be more suitable for modern markets, which required courage and foresight.

WoE: What does it mean to you to be a woman leading a long-standing brand?

RG: It means a lot. I feel like I’m carrying a message, not just for the company but for every woman who dreams of entering the business world. My presence in this position is an opportunity to prove that competence and vision are far more important than gender. I hope to be an example that inspires other women to enter fields that may seem complicated and to prove that success knows no boundaries.

WoE: How has female leadership influenced the management style within GOHAR?

RG: I believe that female leadership has given the company a special character. I strive to cultivate a work culture centred on collaboration, active listening, and attention to the small details that make a significant difference. This approach has made the team more committed and the work more creative. Since I took over GOHAR, I have been keen to open the door for women and young people to work in industrial positions that were previously the exclusive domain of men, believing that competence is not measured by gender but by the ability to achieve and make a real contribution.

WoE: As a leader, how do you inspire your team on a daily basis?

RG: For me, leadership is not about standing apart, but about walking hand in hand with my team through every challenge and every triumph. I make it a point to be present; to share the weight of tough decisions and the joy of every success. I encourage them to dream, to create, and to let their voices be heard, because I believe the true magic of achievement lies in our collective spirit. Every milestone we reach is not mine alone; it is the result of hearts and minds working together, each person leaving their mark on the company’s journey.

WoE: What is your advice for women who want to enter the business world?

RG: Trust in yourselves and your abilities. Beginnings are always challenging, but with a clear vision and determination to achieve it, every woman can find her place in this world. I advise them not to fear trying or failing, because every experience holds a lesson that brings them closer to success.

WoE: GOHAR was founded in 1986. How has it maintained its position all these years?

RG: From the beginning, we built our reputation on uncompromising quality. However, the real secret to our longevity was our flexibility and ability to adapt to changes. With every new generation of customers, we had to rethink our products and designs. This is in addition to expanding into new markets, rather than being content with the domestic market alone. Having a long-term vision is what has enabled us to maintain our position, not just as a company, but as a brand that inspires confidence in people.

WoE: What are the most significant milestones in GOHAR’s history?

RG: There are several key milestones. The first was our success in establishing a factory capable of meeting the local market’s needs during a period when the country was largely dependent on imported products. Then came the regional expansion that made us a prominent name outside of Egypt. Additionally, introducing modern production lines was a significant step in our journey, as it enabled us to offer a more diverse and contemporary range of products. All of this was achieved thanks to a dedicated team that shares the same values on which the company was founded.

WoE: How do you see the company’s legacy, which spans over four decades?

RG: For me, the legacy is not just history; it is a daily commitment. We are talking about a brand that has been in almost every Egyptian home. This legacy inspires me to take on the responsibility. It motivates me to preserve the identity the founder created, while adding new touches that allow us to stay ahead in the future without losing our authenticity.

WoE: How has GOHAR maintained its connection with Egyptian society?

RG: GOHAR has always been more than just a company; it is a part of Egypt’s heartbeat. Our products have found their way into the homes and memories of countless families, becoming woven into the fabric of daily life. We never stood at a distance; instead, we chose to listen closely, to feel the pulse of people’s needs and dreams, and to shape our products around them. Every design carries a touch of Egyptian identity, honouring traditions and values while embracing the spirit of modern change. It is this bond of trust and shared belonging that keeps us connected to our community, generation after generation.

WoE: In your opinion, what sets GOHAR apart in the market?

RG: Our distinctiveness stems from three main pillars: unwavering quality, the trust we have built with customers, and continuous innovation. We are not satisfied with just offering a good product; we focus on the entire customer experience, from design to after-sales service. This is what makes people feel that we are close to them and not just a company that sells products.

WoE: How do you balance innovation and change while preserving the GOHAR brand’s heritage?

RG: This equation is the core of our daily work. We maintain our core values of quality, commitment, and transparency, as these are what built customer trust in GOHAR. At the same time, we continually develop our designs and utilise modern technology in production. This way, we remain faithful to our rich heritage while meeting the aspirations of new generations.

WoE: What role have relationships with suppliers and customers played in GOHAR’s success over the past decades?

RG: For us, relationships are not just business transactions; they are long-term partnerships. Suppliers are our partners in ensuring product quality, and customers are our mirror that reflects our level of success. We have always been keen to build bridges of trust based on mutual respect, and this is one of the keys to our enduring presence in the market for over 40 years.

WoE: How do you see the future of Egyptian industry amid global economic challenges?

RG: Despite the global economic challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of the Egyptian industry. We have innovative minds, young people eager for opportunities, and a local and regional market that needs high-quality products. If we invest more in technology and training, Egypt can become a leading industrial hub in the region, and GOHAR seeks to be an essential part of this transformation. We resisted halting production during the most challenging crises and were keen not to lay off any workers despite the economic pressures. I have also learned from managing crises that job stability and flexibility are the basis for overcoming difficult stages without compromising product quality or customer trust.

WoE: How do you view the company’s future in the coming years?

RG: I see the future as being full of opportunities. We are working to strengthen our presence in regional markets and are also considering expanding into new markets outside the region. Additionally, we are focusing on introducing modern technology into manufacturing to ensure efficiency and sustainability. My goal is for GOHAR to remain a strong and prominent name for the next 40 years, just as it has been in the past.

WoE: Do you think GOHAR’s journey inspires young entrepreneurs?

RG: Absolutely. Our journey reflects that success does not happen overnight; it is a long, arduous journey of continuous work and perseverance. Today’s youth need real stories like ours to know that challenges are part of the path, but with determination, they can be overcome, and a strong brand can be built that lasts for generations.

WoE: What makes you most proud when you look at the 40-year journey?

RG: What fills me with the most pride is that our products have become a part of the lives of millions of people. Seeing the name “GOHAR” used daily in homes of all kinds, from the simplest to the most luxurious, is the most significant proof that we have succeeded in reaching everyone. This broad customer base is our true capital.

WoE: Do you have a final word you would like to address through “Women of Egypt”?

RG: I want to say that true success is not only in what we achieve for ourselves but also in the impact we leave on others. I hope that GOHAR’s journey and my own are inspiring to women and young people alike, and that every individual trusts that they can leave a positive mark on their community, regardless of their field. I also believe that preserving a legacy does not mean clinging to the past, but instead developing it with a vision that resembles the future and reflects who we are.