Empowering Women in Gaza: UCAS Technology Incubator Fosters Change
One of the most significant challenges facing women in Gaza is the high rate of unemployment. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that in the second quarter of 2021, women's labor force participation rate in Gaza stood at 18.4%, compared to 69.6% for men. During the same period, the unemployment rate for women reached an alarming 67.7%, compared to 43.2% for men.
To address this issue, UCAS Technology Incubator (UCAS TI) is committed to equipping young women with the necessary skills and training to enter the workforce. We offer a variety of courses and workshops in fields such as business development, marketing, and financial management. Furthermore, we provide mentorship and networking opportunities to help women connect with potential employers.
Samah Mesmeh, a young entrepreneur, overcame numerous obstacles to establish Omq Store, a thriving business offering unique designs, creative prints, and digital albums in Gaza, the West Bank, and the 1948 lands. Despite initial challenges in shipping and gaining client trust, Samah's determination and passion for her craft led to her business's rapid growth.
By joining the UCAS Start Cart Program, Samah expanded her reach, diversified her products, and collaborated with Fab Lab Egypt. Her journey exemplifies the power of dedication and hard work to achieve success.
UCAS TI aims to empower women beyond job placement. We also focus on helping women become leaders in their communities, breaking down gender barriers, and challenging traditional gender roles. By providing the necessary tools and resources, UCAS TI is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society in Gaza.
One such example is Rawan Al-Hajj Youssef, a lawyer from Rafah, Gaza. After switching her major to Islamic Shari'a and law against her family's wishes, Rawan's perseverance resulted in a scholarship that exempted her from tuition fees for three consecutive years. As part of a legal incubator program by UCAS, she received additional training, which opened up new job opportunities both within and outside Gaza, including a one-year contract with a Saudi company.
We at UCAS Technology Incubator are committed to creating lasting change by working closely with local communities and addressing the needs and aspirations of young women. However, much work remains to be done to support women in Gaza and promote gender equality. Achieving this goal requires collective action and a shared commitment to progress so that all women can realize their full potential and live with dignity and respect.