Egyptian Dr. Iman El-Husseini, with the support of her sister Esraa, has launched “Gowa El7alla”, a groundbreaking smartphone application designed to empower visually impaired individuals with a love for cooking.
This app is not just a tool for learning; it has enabled many to become professional chefs, adept at creating delectable dishes independently.
The seed of this idea was planted during Dr. El-Husseini’s trip to Madrid, where she encountered a bird sound at a pedestrian signal – a simple yet effective aid for the visually impaired.
Inspired by this, she and her sister embarked on developing a smart application to assist the visually impaired in mastering culinary arts. After extensive brainstorming and preparation, they turned to social media for help in naming the app.
“Gowa El7alla” is uniquely tailored for the visually impaired, relying on auditory and tactile senses while eliminating the need for sight.
The app’s success is evident in its widespread use, not just in Egypt but internationally, with over 3,000 downloads to date. It has a diverse user base, including a London-based visually impaired chef who has honed his skills to professional levels, matching those of sighted chefs.
The application, first launched on Android and later on iOS, has garnered immense appreciation and success. Dr. El-Husseini’s initiative reflects a significant leap in societal responsibility and technology’s role in creating inclusive opportunities for the visually impaired, particularly in areas as skill-intensive as cooking.
