Bedouin Women Entrepreneurs

Access to micro loans helps provide people with an opportunity to improve their living conditions and are especially important for women living in poverty.

Here is the story of Jana, a young entrepreneur, who lives in a Bedouin Village in the south of Israel.  In 2009 when we met her she was living in poverty and was barely able to feed her two young children.  We were struck by her determination to change her living conditions and her desire to create a positive future for her children.  Jana was a talented seamstress and used these skills to support her family.  It was clear that if she started a tailoring business she would be able to change her life.  Jana was an ideal candidate for  WomenTeachingWomen.

In 2009, Jana participated in a small pilot program administered by WomenTeachingWomen where she learned the skills needed to start and manage a small business.  After completing the business training program, WTW helped Jana write a business plan and apply for a micro loan so that she could start producing dresses and accessories for women. Jana used the microloan to purchase a sewing machine, fabric, beads and thread.   She started selling these products at a local market.  She was so successful that she was able to pay back her loan and apply for second and third rounds of loans so that she could grow her business.  Jana has now expanded her business by selling her products at several resort hotels and in a consignment shop.  Her goal is to open a small shop.

With the help of WomenTeachingWomen, Jana is business owner and has been able to change the living conditions of her family.  She has also become active as a WTW trainer working in this capacity to train other women to start businesses.