What's your story? 

Yadaiha’s inspiration comes from Abeer, a refugee, and a woman with a dream unmet. Abeer suffered from a severe neurological disease that hindered her ability to control her limbs. The current Yadaiha team, who were only volunteers at the time, was very invested in Abeer’s case. Abeer had a magnificent talent in handicraft work, specifically embroidery. From this struggle and this talent, Yadaiha was born as a project to help Abeer cover the costs of her treatment. Abeer was with us when we initiated our project, but no longer is. She passed away, and her ideas and passion were passed on to us. They were the beginning of a project and a movement for empowerment.

From there, the Yadaiha team decided to direct its efforts in the search for women in need, to create opportunities for them. The team hoped that these opportunities would help women realize their hidden dreams.

The project does not only focus on supporting gifted refugees, but also on creating an environment that enhances their talent in handicrafts, and that aids them with working on contemporary designs and marketing them to the global market.

What makes your product unique and innovative?

Yadaiha does not only offer you a gift, but it also delivers a story of a woman who works at least 6 hours on each piece she produces. Buying a product from us will allow a Palestinian woman to be independent despite the hardships in Gaza.

Our products feature aesthetic modern designs and can compete in the global embroidery market. Not only that, but each one of our items also carries a story with it that you can be part of.

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How is your product making an impact on the community?  

Gaza has the highest unemployment rate in the world, this serious issues drove us to think of ways to empower young women who have no opportunity to be productive, and to strengthen the infrastructure of the local economy through these women.

We currently have 40 women working for us and earning money as the main income source of their families.

Moreover, at  Yadaiha we do not only produce the products by talented women, but we also teach them how to make competitive handmade products, and to improve their skills.

Yahaiha is more than an enterprise that represents Palestinian talents, it also carries the Palestinian spirit and stories that preserve our identity.

How can you help?

By donating and buying our products, you will give women in Gaza the opportunity to impact both their families and entire generations, you support the story of courage and art made into wearable pieces.

About Yadaiha

Yadaiha is a social enterprise, that creates jobs, empowers and financially supports the refugee women of Gaza by granting them a space to deliver their talents through producing and selling unique and modern Handmade Palestinian embroideries internationally. 

Who is the team behind the project?

We are a group of entrepreneurs from Gaza who aimed to create a change through our social impact project.

Two operating teams include professional designer and engineers.  One in Gaza is responsible for production lines, packaging, and shipping. The second one is in the USA responsible for selling, connections and network building. 

Riham Abu-Haiba, CEO

Riham brings years of experience running community initiatives that empower women in Gaza and the West Bank. She has also worked as the local coordinator for a youth movement that supports small businesses in the Gaza region. Riham holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering.

Kariman Mashharawi, Designer               

Kariman brings three years of experience in entrepreneurship and community development to her design work at Yadaiha. While in college, she established two start-ups in the field of arts and heritage. Kariman believes the Yadaiha team’s determination to succeed will encourage other women entrepreneurs in Gaza, Palestine.

Ahmad Abu Safieh, COO-USA  

Ahmad is a civil engineer and volunteer national coordinator for youth environmental groups. He spent six years at an NGO in Gaza, supporting women and youth, and advises start-up and established entrepreneurs on strategies for growing their business.

Mahmoud Abu-Shweesh, COO-Gaza      

Mahmoud spent two years in business management before starting his own project to build community awareness around education and childrearing in Gaza. Mahmoud supports young entrepreneurs in achieving their goals and realizing their dreams. He has a degree in civil engineering.

This campaign is supported by BuildPalestine, a platform to connect supporters around the world with innovative, social impact projects in Palestine.