March 2024:
A new dawn for the women of Izbat Al-Hamra
The new space will be located in the agricultural cooperative of Izbat Al-Hamra, which is in the village center and easily accessible on foot. Ishrakah’s primary goal is to enhance women’s capacity to establish small businesses, either individually or collectively. “As men cultivate artichokes, their wives could set up their own artichoke processing unit or receive training on organic compost and fertilizers, potentially deciding to become traders,” Noura suggests. She emphasizes that the new community center will grant women access to the support they need to start and grow their businesses, from microfinance instruments to counsel from advisory services and training and links to markets.
There is still a wide evidence gap across the MENA region and crisis settings on the effects of combined economic and social interventions to reduce gender-based violence, explains Morag Patrick, the Social Development Adviser for MENA Regional Department at and FCDO. “With our partners, FCDO has started implementing this type of intervention in rural Syria, and we plan to share our knowledge and expertise with Al-Murunah as it sets up the Ishrakah Club,” she points out.