Overview:
Basmeh and Zeitooneh launched the Women’s Workshop, aimed at providing economic empowerment to women, particularly Syrian and Palestinian refugees. The program commenced with embroidery training, enabling women to create marketable items such as scarves, bags, and cushion covers.

Salem Group’s Intervention:
– Business Expertise: Salem Group provided valuable business expertise to enhance the workshop’s effectiveness.
– Sewing Market Assessment: A thorough sewing market assessment was conducted to understand the market dynamics and opportunities.
– Market Linkage: Salem Group facilitated connections with markets, ensuring that the products created by the women found sustainable outlets.

Impact:
– Sustainable Income: The products crafted by the women were sold through Basmeh and Zeitooneh’s distribution channels, ensuring a steady and sustainable source of income for the participants.
– Recognition: In 2015, the initiative received the prestigious Women Sowers of Development Prize for its significant contributions.
– Evolution: Faced with funding challenges in 2018, the initiative transformed into Shatila Studio. This self-sustaining business model, located within the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, now employs over 100 Syrian and Palestinian refugee women, focusing on bespoke needle art production. This transformation ensures the continued empowerment and livelihoods of these talented women.