Hikayat Tatreez was founded with a single purpose: to empower women across the West Bank. In fact, Hikayat Tatreez only exists because a group of local mothers reached out to us seeking work opportunities. That is why uplifting women will always remain at the core of everything we do.
In the West Bank, female unemployment exceeds 60%, leaving many women with few opportunities to contribute financially to their households. Darzah helps bridge this gap by providing our artisans with a living wage that comfortably surpasses the local minimum. Beyond financial stability, Hikayat Tatreez fosters an inclusive community where women recognize their value and feel empowered to speak up. This independence and sense of belonging allow our artisans to build secure futures and dream bigger for themselves and our organization.
Overcoming Obstacles
Palestinian women face significant hurdles when seeking employment, from social expectations to geographic limitations. Because access to reliable transportation is limited, daily commuting often presents a major barrier. To remove these roadblocks, Darzah offers our artisans the flexibility to work from home. We deliver all necessary materials directly to their doorsteps, empowering them to generate a reliable income while caring for their families.
Skill Building
Darzah is always looking for ways to introduce new skills and trades to our artisans. In 2019, our six full-time workers participated in a six-month long course in leatherworking. Learning a new trade is both thrilling and rewarding for these women who are always excited to put their skills to use. This training means that some of our leather products, such as key fobs and bags, are now made start to finish by our women artisans. We are hoping to secure more funding soon to begin training in shoemaking and the next stages of leatherworking, taught through an 18-month long course.
Fair Commitment
Our commitment and dedication to women empowerment has been recognized both locally and internationally. The supportive nature of our organization has become well known in local communities, where new applications from women looking to join Darzah are being received each week. In addition to local recognition, our work has even been endorsed by the Fair Trade Federation. Our Fair Trade certification is a reflection of our promise to provide fair wages to our employees, implement sustainable manufacturing practices, and support marginalized communities.
