ActionAid Palestine to Conclude Small Business Management Training for Women in Hebron

Occupied Palestinian Territory – Hebron – ActionAid Palestine has concluded a specialized training on small business management for women in Hebron, implemented in partnership with the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the "Valiance" (Basala) – Empowering Women in the Old City of Hebron project, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The training aimed to strengthen the economic and entrepreneurial capacities of women participating in the project by equipping them with the skills needed to develop their existing businesses or establish new income-generating enterprises on a stronger and more sustainable foundation. The initiative contributes to improving women's economic empowerment, expanding their livelihood opportunities, increasing their participation in the local economy, and enhancing the sustainability of their businesses.

The training was designed in response to the practical needs of participating women and focused on providing essential knowledge and skills in business management, strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. Participants were also introduced to modern digital tools that can help them improve their businesses, reach wider markets and customers more effectively, and promote their products. In addition, the training strengthened participants' connections with key support institutions, particularly the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The programme targeted 25 women beneficiaries of the Basala project, the majority of whom are from marginalized and highly restricted areas in Hebron. Most participants either own small businesses or have entrepreneurial ideas they are working to develop. The training was specifically designed to their needs, with the aim of increasing their confidence in their economic capabilities and enabling them to manage their businesses more professionally and sustainably.

The training was concluded with a closing event and workshop organized in collaboration with the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry to celebrate the participants' achievements and maximize the benefits of the training. The workshop also introduced participants to the official procedures for registering small businesses and the roles of relevant public institutions.

Representatives from several government institutions participated in the workshop, including the Palestinian Ministry of Finance (Customs Department), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, and the Public Services Centre of the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Representatives provided detailed information on business registration requirements and procedures, as well as the services available to small business owners, helping participants move their businesses towards greater formalization, organization, and long-term sustainability.

The Basala (Valiance) project is one of ActionAid Palestine's initiatives aimed at advancing the empowerment of women and girls, strengthening their leadership capacities, and enhancing their resilience in the face of social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. The project adopts a community-based participatory approach by supporting the establishment of local women's groups, strengthening women's leadership and advocacy skills, and improving their access to protection services, economic empowerment opportunities, and participation in decision-making at both household and community levels.

The project also promotes collaboration with local institutions and community partners to ensure the sustainability of its interventions and foster an enabling environment where women can lead community initiatives and respond to the needs of their communities. Through these efforts, the project contributes to advancing social justice, promoting gender equality, and supporting more inclusive and sustainable development.

About ActionAid International  

ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.  

ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable. 

For more information, please contact:  

Riham Jafari   

Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine   

Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org