Burj al Barajneh catering project seeks to empower Palestinian women economically

In its issue of December 12, the Daily Star daily highlighted the work of the catering service project that is run by some 13 women from the Burj Al Barajneh refugee camp, and which received the support of Al Fanar Association-Lebanon and Women Programs. The project was launched by both organisations upon the request of several Palestinian women, who according to an assessment conducted two years ago by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) desired to make use of their cooking skills in a profitable enterprise that will generate additional family income. Samar, one of many enthusiastic members of the women group and interviewed by the newspaper, said the new business has helped her and her colleagues to become more independent and not rely on their husbands, but did not negatively affect their household responsibilities. Similarly, Mariam Al Shaar from the Women Programs said that the project has enabled women to build a network of contacts through the social media. The project also provided them with the opportunity to promote and market their food delicacies and products through the participation in various exhibitions that were held outside the Palestinian camp, namely in Hamra, Beirut central district and Ashrafieh. (Daily Star, December 12, 2015)