Support Female Entrepreneurs in Palestine

Before joining the Women's Empowerment Program (WEPP), my life was a constant balancing act. I was a mother to six children—three girls and three boys—while carrying the weight of feeling lost and disconnected from my community. Married at 14, I never completed high school, and as my children grew, I realized how my limited education was holding me back from supporting them in their schoolwork. I felt embarrassed by my lack of schooling, constantly thinking that others saw me as less capable. At the same time, I felt isolated. My family lived far away, and I struggled to connect with my neighbors. I knew I needed to change, but I wasn’t sure where to start or how to break the cycle.

Days blended into one another, consumed by household responsibilities, leaving little room for personal growth or reflection. Joining WEPP felt like a huge leap—how could I add one more thing to my already packed schedule? But despite my doubts, I decided to take the opportunity.

From the moment I began the program, I felt a shift. Mornings became something I looked forward to, as I learned to balance household duties with personal development. The supportive environment and the chance to connect with other women ignited a new sense of purpose in me. I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of gratitude and pride I felt on the last day of the program, realizing just how far I had come.

The program gave me the confidence to speak up and assert myself. For the first time, I found my voice. I wasn’t just a mother or a wife—I was Nehal, with ideas and aspirations that mattered. This newfound confidence was contagious, not only to my family but to my community as well.

One of the most tangible changes I experienced through WEPP was physical. The fitness classes helped me shed 10 kilograms, boosting my confidence and improving my overall health. What started as a small part of my week became a cherished time for myself. Exercise became a priority, and I learned that taking care of my body was essential for my mental and emotional well-being.

Equally transformative were the parenting classes. As a mother of a child with ADHD, I had always struggled to manage my son’s behavior without losing patience. The positive parenting sessions helped me understand him better and gave me tools to handle difficult situations. They also provided a platform to share my challenges with other mothers, forming a network of support that I continue to rely on today.

However, the most exciting part of my journey was the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. Through WEPP, I took part in the Entrepreneurship Program, where I turned my passion for tatreez (traditional Palestinian embroidery) into a business. Tatreez has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s not just a craft; it’s a way to connect with my roots and heritage. I learned tatreez from my grandmother, who passed it down to me as a symbol of our family’s resilience and identity.

Winning a business competition with my embroidery business was a pivotal moment. It was more than just a financial victory—it was a statement that Palestinian women like me have the power to sustain their cultural heritage while building a future. Each stitch of tatreez I create is a piece of our history, telling stories of struggle, love, and hope. I proudly incorporate other Palestinian crafts into my business, like weaving, hand-stitched quilts, and creating traditional garments that carry the colors, patterns, and symbols of our land. These are not just products; they are a celebration of Palestinian identity and resilience.

I was filled with pride, not just because I had succeeded, but because I had proven to myself, my family, and my community that education isn’t the only path to success. As a mother and a businesswoman, I’m able to provide for my children and contribute to my community while honoring my heritage. I no longer feel self-conscious about my lack of formal education. Instead, I embrace my journey and the resilience that led me here. Through GlobalGiving and the support of programs like WEPP, women like me are given the tools, skills, and confidence to break through barriers and achieve our dreams.

Today, I proudly call myself an entrepreneur, and I have turned my tatreez business into a way of preserving and promoting Palestinian heritage. My work not only supports my family, but also provides a platform for other Palestinian women to share their crafts with the world. It is a source of pride for me to see my work empowering others in my community, giving them a chance to break free from traditional constraints and pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

In a community where opportunities for women are scarce, entrepreneurship is a way to not only change individual lives but also uplift families and entire communities. Through my business, I’m not just creating products, but creating a space where Palestinian women can come together, share their skills, and contribute to the global market. GlobalGiving plays an essential role in supporting these efforts, connecting people around the world who are committed to lifting up others, and enabling women like me to make an impact.

Through my work, I’ve learned that empowerment isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about how individual success can spark positive change that ripples through entire communities. Through the WEPP program, I gained not only the tools to succeed as an entrepreneur but also the confidence to lead and inspire others to follow their own dreams. And as I look to the future, I am committed to expanding my business and giving back to the community that has supported me.

When one woman rises, she lifts everyone around her. And that’s the true power of entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and GlobalGiving.