Women as the Catalysts of Change in West Bank and Gaza

This project aims to enhance economic empowerment and increase the prosperity of women graduates and women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Bank and Gaza. It also aims to expand the “Wassalny” program of Business Women Forum (BWF) while also improving the ability of BWF to deliver gender-sensitive business development services to women-led SMEs. The “Wassalny” program builds the capacities of women entrepreneurs by providing them with training and coaching, marketing skills and networking opportunities with suppliers. It also connects women entrepreneurs to a network of qualified female graduates who can help them develop and implement marketing and business plans. Project activities include: (1) offering a capacity building program to female graduates to enhance their employability and technical skills, in areas such as marketing plans, sales techniques, social media, leadership and entrepreneurship; (2) providing SMEs with business development services, in areas such as marketing and business plans, financial management and the use of social media to promote and grow a business; and (3) having BWF personnel attend training/coaching sessions.