Fair trade women's cooperatives have introduced many traditional Palestinian handmade products to the world market – couscous, za'atar and olive oil soap among them. These products give women an opportunity to earn income and empower them as they gain experience and skills in management, problem-solving, and cooperative relationships. Economic success has led to greater self-confidence, greater civic participation, and greater influence for many women.

 

CANAAN SUPPORTS WOMEN OWNED COOPERATIVES

The micro-loan project of the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA)  is designed to enable small producers with little or no resources, especially women, to become producers and benefit from the fair trade returns. The PFTA micro-loan project extends two-year loans to individuals who otherwise would not have the means to start a business. All recipients are organized in women-owned fair trade producing cooperatives under the umbrella of PFTA, gaining collective membership and representation for their cooperative.

PFTA and its exporting member Canaan Fair Trade ensure the success of micro-loan recipients by providing specific production methods, quality specifications and proper training, then marketing the products produced.

This program has been made possible by the support of grassroots organizations abroad.  Special thanks to the generous support of Resource Center for Non-Violence, Santa Cruz, CA, Project Hope, Canada, and Islamic Aid, UK. Organizations and individuals abroad may support this program by funding a cooperative or one woman to become a producing member in a cooperative. To extend support to the Micro Loan project contact the PFTA at info@palestinefairtrade.org.