Empowering women through income generation

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, where you want to go, and what you want to achieve,” said Sheila Murray Bethel, a bestselling author and global leadership change expert.

The Yabad Women’s Centre is a living proof of that. The Women’s Centre is a local community based organization (CBO) founded in 2006 to respond to the urgent needs of women in Yabad; to have an official body embrace them and adopt their ideas and initiatives.

“The Women’s Centre started from scratch. We experienced many turbulences and obstacles. The worst was community’s lack of trust in the capabilities of women and the lack of financial resources that limited our work,” remembers Salam Abu Baker, head of the Yabad Women’s Centre. “But now, after years of hard work, determination, and persistence [the] Yabad Women’s Center is one of the most important women and community centres nationally. It is beacon and a model to guide others to success… World Vision played a key role in achieving this,” she added.

Building the centre from the ground up

“The centre started its work with a budget that didn’t exceed a [few] hundred shekels, collected from the membership fees,” remembers Salam.  “At that point, our activities [were focused on] one goal; to gain the community’s respect and trust. [We did this] through implementing activities, including celebrations and the distribution of gifts for the elderly and people with disabilities,” Salam added. Over time, The Yabad Women’s Centre has partnered with World Vision to empower women. Together, tangible progress has been achieved: women experience enhanced roles on both family and community levels.

To achieve these goals, World Vision partnered with the Women’s Centre in several interventions, including capacity building in such areas as communication skills, management and financial training. Additionally, the women received vocational trainings in the areas of sewing, hairdressing, and photography. Finally, the Women’s Centre was equipped with the necessary tools to facilitate the women’s work of operating the schools’ canteens.

Over the span of just a few years, the Women’s Center has proven its abilities. Currently, the Women’s Center has more than 100 members (nine of whom are on the administrative board) and 30 community volunteers and works with more than 80 local, national and international partners in addition to World Vision including: Yabad Municipality, Governmental Ministries, Schools, Religious bodies, local CBOs, Borrowing and lending society, UN woman, New Farm, UNDP, CARE International, The Bank of Palestine, General Union of Disabled, Mental Account Intelligence Centre, The Palestinian Centre for Democracy and conflict resolution and The Gallery Station to name a few.

"Through our partnership with World Vision, the capacities and confidence of women have developed a position and a voice that is respected and recognized. [Today], we feel that we are more valued by the community,” Salam added.

Over the past two years, The Women’s Centre has broadened its reach and now benefits around 2,500 people in a direct or indirect ways each year through partnering with many organizations, such as World Vision.

“The Women’s Centre proved itself and proved that hard work eventually pays out,” said Salam.  “Our initiatives are being covered by media and we have been invited to several conferences and meetings to talk about our experience and share our success with others,” she added.

“I think it’s time that we learn to take pride in who and what we are. We are women and we can make a difference in this world,” concludes Salam.

Creating a “Win-Win situation”

Iman, a mother of seven in her fifties, known to her neighbours as “Um Sadeq” (the mother of Sadeq) faced significant challenges in life. Her husband is unable to work to an ongoing illness. She used to try to provide for her family by making special desserts. But, as her treats were most popular during the holy month of Ramadan or other Islamic feasts, she failed to earn a stable income.

 Through the Women’s Centre, she learned to make foods that are popular all year long, like Thyme and Maftool, a popular Mediterranean dish made from wheat. “My life has changed with the “Food Processing” training from World Vision,” she says. “I did not know that by using basic principles I would be able to earn money, raise my children and send them to college,” she said.

 To benefit both the women and the children of the community, World Vision partnered with schools to have the women run the school canteens, replacing the highly processed unhealthy food with nutritious handmade alternatives. “World Vision created a win-win situation, where children in schools get healthy food and at the same time I manage to earn income and educate all my children,” Um Sadeq says, happily.

 After two years of running a school canteen, Um Sadeq became well-known in the community for cooking delicious and health food. “The Food Processing course turned out to be a vital source of income for many women, me in particular!” Um Sadeq said, with a smile on her face.

 “Being able to generate income and pay for the school and college fees of my daughters was a priority for me,” said Um Sadeq. “It is also the overwhelming feeling you get when you become a worthy and active member in your community that can contribute to the society and not depend on others,” she added.

 Although women still have a long road ahead to be able to enjoy all their rights, the story of Um Sadeq gives hope that success is possible.