My name is Najah and I am a refugee, born and raised in a refugee camp in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip. I have been providing services to lift up and empower women and their families in Rafah, Gaza for over 18 years as the Executive Director of the Women Programs Center-Rafah. We face the risks of the variant, the overwhelming collapse of our local economy, homes destroyed by bombing, little electricity, damaged water supply. Families are hungry. Please help me feed them through the year ahead.

Challenge

Gaza residents who have suffered from a debilitating blockade for more than 14 years are now coping with destruction in an economy facing COVID-19. With over 50% unemployment, many can't afford food. Even those with jobs are forced to stay home. Women and children are especially vulnerable. Only 14% of children under 5 years old are getting a minimum acceptable diet. As many as 18% of pregnant mothers are malnourished, per a 2019 UN study. I ask your help to change this, one meal at a time.

Long-Term Impact

Thanks to you, this program has become an all women-run nonprofit restaurant - a big step for my conservative society. We succeed because my community trusts me & values my work. Gaza's women are strong & love life but lack rights due to the blockade and unfair policies. Our program provides steady jobs to 20 women, mostly refugees. We assure better health to 1400 people / day. As you come to know us, together we'll lift the blockade to restore trade, bringing jobs to hundreds of thousands.

References

1. http://www.rebuildingalliance.org
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUm4NmAgw0Q
3. https://gisha.org/en-blog/2020/03/08/only-women-will-solve-this/
4. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2011/mar/08/gaza-international-womens-day
5. https://www.facebook.com/LWDcampaign/

Additional Documentation

https://www.globalgiving.org//pfil/47501/projdoc.xlsx

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