Women creating peace: joint venture for peace

Project joint venture for peace takes a holistic approach to peace and social-economic development by coupling inter-group dialogue, knowledge and SME project development where Palestinian and Israeli women join hands for economic development and peace:

Joint Ventures for Peace brings together Palestinian and Israeli women entrepreneurs and artists to work as equal partners and create a unique discourse on peace. This project, seeks to break down some of the barriers between Israelis and Palestinians, and to create peace on the ground. This was established by the Shorouq Society for Women (www.shorouqsociety.org) and The Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development – NISPED (www.nisped.org.il).

This project takes a holistic approach to peace and social-economic development by coupling inter-group dialogue, knowledge and group cohesiveness with the advance of small and medium business development and artistic initiatives. Our nearly 40 participants come from diverse backgrounds and communities. The Palestinian women, Muslims and Christians, have expertise in embroidery, ceramics, straw weaving, art, beauty and hairdressing, Christmas gifts, social work, and soap making. The Jewish-Israeli women are professionals in ceramics, clothes design, art, creative writing, silver and goldsmith jewellery, graphic art, straw weaving, and the creation of products from recycled paper.

The project increased the income of women in both Palestine and in Israel through the production of handicraft and other items and marketing them in Israel, Palestine Authority and abroad. Through training and mentoring the women in the following areas: entrepreneurship and basic business skills; upgrading of design and production, quality control and packaging, marketing and promotion, as well as the logistics of cross-border commerce.

These Israeli and Palestinian women refuse to give in to the violence, fear and hatred . They are true peacemakers who stand committed to peace and social justice and reach out to all who wish to join them in this empowering and necessary journey.