Support Female Entrepreneurs in Palestine

"My dream is to be an influence, role model, and inspiration to all Palestinian woman and female and youth entrepreneurs who strive to turn their business into a reality. I also want to change the stereotype of women in our society and agriculture in Palestine. My  hope is to develop agriculture in a technical, scientific and organized way and reach advanced stages of agriculture in Palestine." -Aya

Introducing Aya, founder and owner of Al Okhwah (Solidarity) Sheep Farm and an inspiring Palestinian female entrepreneur with a passion for agriculture. 

Solidarity Sheep Farm, founded in October 2012, specializes in the breeding, raising and selling of organic Merino sheep. This brand is unique in that it is leaner and has more meat. The goal of Aya's business venture is not only to provide consumers with healthy, organic  sheep raised only on dairy products, but also to meet the demands of the market. There is a shortage of supply which has led to increasing prices. Furthermore, continued development of Aya's business will allow her to hire new employees, specifically females, which will have a positive impact on the currently weak job market in Palestine.

Aya has been very lucky to have the continued support of her family throughout the development of her business. On land donated to Aya by her father, she set off to make something great of the generous gift from her father; not only something that would propel her to her dreams, but would benefit her family as well. Knowing the agricultural sector is dominated by men, her family encouraged her to challenge the community and pursue her business. Their unwavering reassurance has been a source

Her advice for budding entrepreneurs is:

"One should not look to obstacles as obstacles, rather challenges. Life confronts people with difficulties, but not impossibilities. Things in my life exist that make it difficult at times, but instead of dwelling on them I choose to delve into my work and concentrate on something more meaningful: my success."

Aya is currently working on further expanding her business by starting Al-Halal Center which focuses on providing training and counseling for Palestinian agriculture entrepreneurs.