Project profile — Women as the Catalysts of Change in West Bank and Gaza

• West Bank Gaza (100.00%)

• Government And Civil Society, General: Democratic participation and civil society (15150) (20.00%)
• Banking And Financial Services: Education/training in banking and financial services (24081) (40.00%)
• Business And Other Services: Business support services and institutions (25010) (40.00%)

• Gender equality (principal objective)
• Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) (not targeted)
• Participatory development and good governance (significant objective)
• Trade development (not targeted)
• Biodiversity (not targeted)
• Climate change mitigation (not targeted)
• Climate Change Adaptation (not targeted)
• Urban issues (not targeted)
• Desertification (not targeted)
• Children's issues (not targeted)
• Youth Issues (significant objective)
• Indigenous Issues (not targeted)
• Disability (not targeted)
• ICT as a tool for development (not targeted)

This project aims to enhance economic empowerment and increase the prosperity of women graduates and women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Bank and Gaza. The project also aims to expand the “Wassalny” program of the Business Women Forum (BWF) while also improving the ability of BWF to deliver gender-sensitive business development services to women-led SMEs. The “Wassalny” program builds the capacities of women entrepreneurs by providing them with training and coaching, marketing skills and networking opportunities with suppliers. It also connects women entrepreneurs to a network of qualified women graduates who can help them develop and implement marketing and business plans. Project activities include: (1) offering a capacity building program to women graduates to enhance their employability and technical skills in areas such as marketing plans, sales techniques, social media, leadership and entrepreneurship; (2) providing SMEs with business development services in areas such as marketing and business plans, financial management and the use of social media to promote and grow a business; and (3) having BWF personnel attend training/coaching sessions.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced economic opportunities for women graduates; (2) enhanced business opportunities for women-led small and medium enterprises; and (3) improved quality of business development services provided by BWF to Palestinian women.

Results achieved as of August 2020 include; (1) 3 women enterprises reported increased income by 40%, and 13 of the 27 enterprises reported increased sales between 5% and 25%; (2) 29 women graduates increased their income by more than 50%; (3) 5 women enterprises signed new business agreements by the end of the project; (4) 10 women enterprises entered new markets; (5) 65% of the women enterprises reported satisfaction with business development services received; and (6) 5 employees enhanced their skills in results-based management or report writing, including one certified in gender audit.

• Proactive disclosure