NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- 47-year-old Amal Abu Raqiq, who lives in the Nuseirat camp located in the middle of the Gaza Strip, is the first female carpenter in Palestine. She became a professional carpenter more than 20 years ago despite conflicts and bad economic conditions by not giving in to despair.

“I have become popular”

Speaking about the challenges faced by her, Amal Abu Raqiq says, “My husband did not support me or my intellectually disabled daughter. I asked a divorce in order to get a salary from the Palestine Ministry of Social Affairs to support my daughter and meet our needs. I looked for a job due to our bad financial conditions and high prices. I went to the Center for Women's Empowerment, Training and Rehabilitation. This center offers many free courses for women. I attended the carpentry course of the center. After completing the course successfully, I was funded by the center to start my small workshop. I have received many orders from those around me because I make products with high quality and their prices are suitable for everyone. I do not have a social media page but I have become popular thanks to my customers.”

“Nothing can stop women’s passion”

Amal Abu Raqiq could not continue her education life after graduating from high school. “I could no continue my education life due to the patriarchal mentality and social pressure. But nothing can stop women’s positive energy and passion because they keep working and producing.”

She will participate in an international exhibition

Amal Abu Raqis makes preparations to travel to Algeria in the coming days to participate in the international exhibition with her works after being chosen by the ministry.