Aug, 2022
Anera’s Women Can program supports aspiring women entrepreneurs in the West Bank and Gaza
In her modest salon in Biddu, in the Jerusalem Governorate of the Palestinian West Bank, Hanan expertly applies a trendy purple nail polish for her client. The color nicely matches the woman’s dress.
"I can finally breathe a sigh of relief," Hana says. "After years of working at home, now I have my own salon."
Thirteen years ago, Hanan started her own business, working as a hairdresser out of her home.
Receiving her clients at her house wasn’t ideal, but the economic conditions precluded renting a dedicated space for her beauty salon.
Recently, Hanan joined Anera’s Women Can program, funded by Islamic Relief USA, which provided her with tools and equipment and the funding to open her own shop front for her salon.
Having worked in cosmetics for 20 years, Hanan has gained considerable experience in hairdressing, makeup, and skin care from her time at a number of salons.
"I have a good number of clients. I am well-known in my area," Hanan says. "I am always working to further develop my skills and myself."
Now that she has finally been able to open a storefront for her own salon, she is seeing even more clients visiting her.
The growth of Hanan’s business has improved living circumstances for her and her family. The salon generates an income of some $235 in a typical month. It’s not much but it’s an improvement, which Hanan calls “enough for my family.”
"My husband died six months ago,” she says. “I am now the sole breadwinner for four children."
Hanan hopes to continue growing her business and client list, and to have the opportunity to learn the latest beauty and hairdressing trends.
"I am always working to further develop my skills and myself."
The views expressed herein are those of Anera and shall not, in any way whatsoever, be construed to reflect the official opinion of IRUSA, its Islamic Relief affiliates, or its donors.
