WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS FIND THEIR VOICES

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), is an annual event that aims to inspire budding entrepreneurs to explore their potential. Every November all innovators, job creators, startup founders, incubators, and accelerators from more than 170 nations unite. It is a chance for entrepreneurs to form connections and increase collaboration within their ecosystems through activities and networking events, designed to help them take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys.

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK: AN OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT THE POWERFUL VOICES OF WOMEN

This year marks the fifth year of Palestine taking part in Global Entrepreneurship Week, which celebrates the four distinct themes: education, ecosystem, policy, and inclusion. To support this, Gaza Sky Geeks (funded by Sweden ) has organized a Women Entrepreneurs Bootcamp, in response to the gross underrepresentation of women in the entrepreneurship scene. It is believed that the three most significant reasons for this are:

1. Cultural and political barriers
2. Lack of mentoring
3. Serious lack of funding

“ Women are usually seen in the context that has been designed for them by our culture: doing house chores and motherhood!” -Bootcamp participant

Gaza Sky Geeks is strongly committed to inclusivity in tech and believes that all organizations - from our own to partners we work with, to the cohorts of developers we train - perform better with a diverse and inclusive workforce. An extension of this, Gaza Sky Geeks is considered one of the most prominent players in the Palestinian ecosystem, making GEW a fitting opportunity to tackle some of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the abilities and confidence need to succeed.

FAILURE IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF SUCCESS - IT IS PART OF IT

The Bootcamp spanned a full day and included 27 diverse women from university students to recent graduates to women with several years of experience. Common for them all was their commitment, drive, and ambitious nature. Out of more than 100 applicants, the 27 participants were chosen based on their interest in building quality solutions for real challenges.?

On the agenda was a tasting platter of inspiring speakers and outstanding Palestinian women entrepreneurs including Safaa Ayad (founder of Foras ), Sondos Mleita t (co-founder of Hakini ), and Shadan Nassar (founder of Shadana Yoga) . These women are all role models that have faced the same challenges as the Bootcamp participants but still managed to break through the glass ceiling. In an effort to “pay it forward” and help lift other women, they took part in the Bootcamp to share their experiences and best pieces of advice.?

Following a series of sessions focusing on idea validation and the fundamentals of launching a startup, Shadan Nassar concluded the Bootcamp with a motivational and confidence-building session including yoga and mirror exercises:

“Stand in front of a mirror daily and appreciate yourself for all that you have accomplished. Appreciate yourself by looking deeply into your eyes and staying connected for a few seconds.” -Shaden Nassar, founder of Shadana Yoga

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY

The responses of the women who participated in the Bootcamp were overwhelmingly positive. With energy reserves restocked and heads buzzing with lessons learned and tips and tricks, the Bootcamp participants are inspired by Sondos, Safaa, and Shadan’s startup experiences. As a result, the hope is that the Bootcampers will continue their own entrepreneurial journeys and apply to join the Gaza Sky Geeks Startup Accelerator in the future.

“Tackling the challenges of women throughout their entrepreneurial journey is crucial to ensuring that they achieve their goals and dreams. It is clear that women’s participation in the entrepreneurship scene is fundamental to building a stronger economy in Palestine and around the world.” -Shadan Nassar, founder of Shadana Yoga?

Gaza Sky Geeks is a program of Mercy Corps established in partnership with Google in 2011. It is committed to continuously improving and developing new initiatives in relation to diversity and inclusion: across programs, events, and webinars. To know more about our vision and mission visit: www.gazaskygeeks.com