Que Eramos Semilla: Libyan women are the future!
“They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.”Mexican proverb
Libya today is going through the most critical time in its modern history; the country is divided, terrorism attacks in the heart of the capital, a complete absence of rule of law and economic crises which the country has never witnessed since its independence early fifties. But amid all this darkness there are still glimpses of light that restore the faith of many in this country. Libyan women are no doubt one of the symbols of resilience, they are standing still despite the storms that wrecking the country to prove that women and -not oil reserves- are the backbone of this nation.
This is not new for Libyan women, since February 2011 they supported the democratic processes, they participated in all transitional phases regardless of the challenges women face in a society with a prevailing masculine system. Women established charities, civil society organizations and participated in the formation and memberships of different political parties. They also led many women rights and reconciliation advocacy campaigns. Their activities are not limited to particularly feminine issues, but they are extended to all human rights, promotion and exercising the culture of democracy.
On the other hand, it is increasingly recognized that women are able to innovate, work and develop their projects, also to be part of the economic development process. Through entrepreneurship women proved their ability to create jobs for themselves and for others. They could also generate income to improve their families’ lives condition, and thus assist in reducing poverty.
We at Jusoor are standing for our commitment to ensure women inclusion in the economic growth and as part of this commitment, we launched our initiative “Galleria” the name is inspired by “Galleria Mariotti” one of the oldest shopping districts in the old city of Tripoli known now by the name “Bab El-Horia”. The Galleria gives the opportunity for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products at LEAP the women business incubator Jusoor founded early this year in partnership with SPARK.
In the roof garden of LEAP, 10 women owned projects joined the initiative and presented their goods and services, the shops vary between ready to wear fashion, handmade jewelry, Libyan specialty food products, art work and traditional goods from the southern region. Many who have visited Galleria were satisfied of the quality and ideas presented, moreover they were all inspired by the strength of the stores’ owners in these times.
Jusoor team will continue to support each project through the Galleria, by monitor their progress and ensure their sustainable growth, because we firmly believe that women are the seeds that will flourish despite all the current difficult circumstances in the country.
