Holy Land Fund prioritizes Jerusalem women with social and empowerment programs

The Holy Land Fund for Jerusalem (Beit Mal Al-Quds) has placed Palestinian women in Jerusalem at the core of its operational strategy, integrating social assistance programs with initiatives focused on empowerment and sustainability. This approach was highlighted by Mohammed Salem Al-Sharqawi, the acting director of the agency, during a roundtable discussion organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Women Development Organization in Geneva.

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The agency has placed the Jerusalemite Palestinian woman at the "heart of its work strategy in Jerusalem, which combines social assistance programs with empowerment and sustainability programs."

Al-Sharqawi explained that the agency translates its vision for supporting Palestinian women through tangible social programs and projects. These efforts are carried out in Jerusalem under the direct supervision of King Mohammed VI, who chairs the Al-Quds Committee. The agency emphasizes strengthening partnerships with women's institutions and associations in Jerusalem, believing that sustainable empowerment can only be achieved through robust and enduring local organizations.

In its drive to support women's entrepreneurship, the Holy Land Fund has worked to expand Palestinian women's access to international markets. This includes facilitating their participation in international exhibitions and promoting products from women's associations, notably supporting the "Made for Palestine" initiative. Furthermore, as part of its digital strategy for 2024-2027, the agency is backing female entrepreneurs through its business incubator, offering training, technical support, and business development services to startups in strategic sectors like digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital health, educational technology, and human resources.

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Sustainable empowerment is not achieved except through strong and capable local institutions that can continue.

The agency also actively facilitates the participation of women entrepreneurs in prominent international technology events, such as GITEX Africa in Marrakech and Expand North Star in Dubai. These opportunities are designed to enable them to forge strategic partnerships, access new markets, and enhance the long-term sustainability of their ventures. Al-Sharqawi stressed that investing in women is an investment in families, society, and the future of Jerusalem, noting that women's economic and social empowerment contributes to community resilience, poverty reduction, and the creation of new economic opportunities.

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Investing in women is an investment in the family, society, and the future of the city of Jerusalem.

During the Geneva discussion, which included representatives from OIC institutions, UN agencies, member states, and international experts, participants identified barriers to women's labor market entry and explored practical solutions. The talks also focused on enhancing mutual understanding of the challenges, obstacles, and gaps affecting women's labor market participation in OIC member states, drawing upon successful experiences and government policies from Western countries and relevant UN agencies.

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Enhancing cooperation between international, regional, and national institutions, exchanging expertise, mobilizing resources, and supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women, especially women living in fragile situations and facing exceptional challenges.