Economic Empowerment Exhibition: “Canaanite Entrepreneurs” – Second Edition 2024

Volunteer for Hope Organization, in partnership with the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Foundation, inaugurated the second exhibition of “Canaanite Entrepreneurs,” (with slogan “From Our Hands, we make our products” for productive Jerusalem families at the Yabous Building in Ramallah. The exhibition aims to enhance the resilience of women in Jerusalem and elevate the status of women as part of the “FORSA” program for economic empowerment, which seeks to improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries, particularly women who head their households in the Jerusalem Governorate, marginalized women and youth at-risk.

The exhibition opened with the Palestinian national anthem, attended by Dr. Ahmad Majdalani, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization; Dr. Ashraf Al-Awar, Minister of Jerusalem; Nasser Qutami, president Advisor to the Arab funds; the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Palestine; and Basem Dudin, Director of the Economic Empowerment Foundation. Also present were Sylvia Abu Luban, Chairperson of Volunteer for Hope Organization, representatives from the Union of Charitable Societies in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Governorate, heads of Jerusalem-based associations, the Nature Association of Palestine.

In her opening speech, Abu Luban welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that this second exhibition supports and strengthens the resilience of women in Jerusalem. She stated that this is one of the components of confronting the occupation and its oppressive policies.

Abu Luban highlighted that women in Jerusalem face difficult circumstances, yet this does not deter them from continuing to challenge and persevere. She noted various projects initiated by the organization, driven by the understanding that enhancing resilience comes through action, not just words, by implementing diverse projects that have benefited many Jerusalem families.

Participants affirmed that the second edition of the exhibition underscores the Palestinian woman’s ability to produce and work despite all conditions and challenges, emphasizing the ongoing need for support to enhance her resilience. They expressed gratitude to those responsible for organizing the exhibition.

For his part, Dudin stated that the Economic Empowerment Foundation provides all necessary facilities, particularly for our people in Jerusalem, to establish projects that enhance resilience. He added that this exhibition is a result of the partnership and synergy between the Economic Empowerment Foundation and Volunteer for Hope Organization to empower Palestinian women.

The opening of the exhibition featured various cultural and artistic activities and showcased the success stories of 30 small projects, with 45 participants from entrepreneurial institutions across all Jerusalem towns and the Shu’fat and Qalandiya camps.

The exhibition included many products made by Palestinian hands, such as embroidery, natural honey, preservative-free jams, sweets including holiday cakes, maftoul, stuffed grape leaves, pickles, accessories, medicinal herbs and spices, handicrafts, decorative plants, and natural soap. Additionally, it featured natural therapy consultants and event decoration specialists.