In 2001, the PCRF launched a new project to provide start-up econonic grants to poor, widowed mothers of large families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Due to the ongoing military occupation, war, and siege imposed on families throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the standard of living and income for large, poor familes in Palestine has continue to decrease, with no one hit harder than single-mother families with small children. In response to this crisis, the PCRF began providing one-time grants to women, enabling them to begin small businesses or economic efforts that would provide them with continued income and help them to feed and better take care of their children.
In 2002, the PCRF continued its success with the Women’s Empowerment Project and extended its reach to poor refugee families in Lebanon. One of the most popular and successful projects to come out of Lebanon has been the embroidery project, which employs over a dozen widowed or single women. This particular project continues to grow and provides these women with an opportunity to sell their items throughout Lebanon, at various PCRF events in the United States, as well as through the PCRF online store.
The PCRF plans to continue this effort by identifying, interviewing, and supporting many more women in Palestine and Lebanon, who are seeking a chance to support and take care of their children by working for themselves. If you are interested supporting this project or a family through the PCRF’s Women’s Empowerment Project, please email our main office at pcrf1@pcrf.net.
