Ramallah - 29-9-2008

The Palestinian Businesswomen's Association; Asala, and its women's economical empowerment and development project; Irada, hosted two group Iftar Business Club Activities in Hebron and Jenin.  The two groups, a total of 195 Palestinian women, were made up of Asala's micro entrepreneurs and Irada's trainees.

During the Iftar activity in Jenin, where 160 women participated, Samia Zaid, Branch Credit Officer in Jenin, explained the programs and services offered at Asala and the important role Asala plays in the economical empowerment of Palestinian women. Salma Suleyman, Resource Development and Public Relations Manager at Asala and manager of the Irada project, spoke about the Irada project and the community based peer training Irada provides on management, marketing and finance. She encouraged the guests to benefit from the services offered at Irada.  She went on to say that if financial issues are preventing Palestinian women from establishing or developing their income generating projects, they can easily find assistance at Asala and other micro finance institutions. Since Irada is providing the technical and vocational training needed, and finances are not an obstacle, every Palestinian woman should not be reluctant to launch or expand her micro enterprise. Majdoleen Zarour, the Administrative Assistant in Jenin, hosted the event and presented several success stories, specifically those of  Hiam Abu Zahra, May Hirzallah, Fida Hamarsheh, and Tamam Qandeel.  Twelve women received awards for being outstanding clients.  The awards were presented by Reema Heb El Reeh, loan officer at Asala in Jenin and Samia Zaid. The event was an excellent opportunity for clients and trainees to interact and exchange experiences.

It is also important to note that  the Iftar activity in Hebron, brought together 35 micro entrepreneurs from Asala and trainees from Irada.  The guests enjoyed activities and were able exchange experiences. It is worth mentioning that Asala opened its office in Hebron in May 2008 and provided the first loan to a Palestinian woman in Hebron in June 2008; thus explaining the notably lower attendance at the Iftar activity in Hebron.