Advancing Women’s Economic Status Through Civil Societies

Ramallah−Ten kilometers (roughly six miles) west of the city of Ramallah sits a village of 2,500 people.  The Deer Ebzee’village, known for its mountain-covered olive trees and the Bobeen water spring, is the home of Elham Salah Ma’moun Nasr, one of the Arab Women’s Leadership Institute’s (AWLI) members.   

Nasr is 39 years old and a mother of seven children.  She received some primary education from her village but never went on to complete her later years.  This led to years of low confidence and self-esteem and a lack of faith in her abilities.  Today though, she is the chairof Deer Ebzee’ for Rural Development, a local civil society organization that seeks to advance women’s intellectual, social and economic status.  It is an organization that works to instill self-confidence in women who were once like Nasr. 

Last year Nasr attended AWLI’s training for women civil society leaders on how they can advance economic development in their communities.  “The person I credit as my mentor is my husband, Mohammad Daoud,” said Nasr.  “He always provided me with the moral and intellectual support, encouraged me, congratulated me.  With his support I started my own civil society organization to help other women who might not have that.” 

Starting a women’s civil society organization though was not easy.  “It was very frustrating,” she says.  In 2005, she and five other women decided to formally submit their names to the Palestinian government to form the constituent body of their civil society organization.  Over the next couple years they faced one bureaucratic challengeafter another, which included lost paperwork and a general lack of enthusiasm for their project.  However, due to their patience, persistence, and determination, on March 10, 2007, Deer Ebzee’ received their license,and today they are flourishing. 

“Every month we try to conduct at least two seminars that help women see their own significance, and we work with 38 women in the community,” said Nasr.  These 38 women include eight widows and 30 students.  “We also use these seminars to help rural women develop income generating projects, such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation and how to establish comercial shops to sell their products.” 

When asked how AWLI helps to support women like her, Nasr highlighted the collective work the institute provides by raising awareness of the importance of women in all fields. 

“The continuous contact of AWLI, with its members regarding work and development is also very important.” 

When asked what she thinks Deer Ebzee’ will be doing in 10 years, Nasr states they will be implementing their strategic plan for economic development, which will further address the problems of unemployment and poverty.  

She also has high hopes for her homeland.  “In 2021, we will have achieved stability and eliminated the restrictions on women in Palestine,” says Nasras she smiles.  “Peace will have prevailed in the Arab world.  Our organization will be able to reach the most advanced levels and serve the biggest number of women in the local and civil community throughout the nation.”