In a Gaza City factory, numerous women are seated, meticulously working on repurposing bags of flour into tote bags. The women engage in various tasks, including cutting, folding, and sewing the bags to transform them into the final product. Meanwhile, other women in a different section of the factory operate sewing machines to attach handles to the bags.
These women are participating in a cash-for-work program facilitated by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) since April. The initiative aims to provide temporary employment to displaced individuals in Gaza by repurposing aid supplies like bags of flour and wood pallets. Participants receive a monthly payment of 1,000 shekels, approximately $462 Cdn, for their three-month involvement in the program.
Although the compensation may only cover a week’s worth of groceries and essentials for some families, it serves as a vital income source and sense of purpose in a region heavily affected by war. Warda Aliwa, 38, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of utilizing aid resources creatively by repurposing them into functional items like bags.
For Nisreen Abbas, 54, the job provides a means to support her large family, including caring for her grandchildren and elderly husband. The employment opportunity offers a temporary reprieve for many individuals in Gaza, where the economy has been severely impacted by the aftermath of conflict.
Faten Abu Sharkh, the project coordinator, highlighted the positive impact of the program on the participants’ lives, noting the transformation in their outlook and well-being. The initiative not only offers financial support but also contributes to the social and mental well-being of the individuals involved.
Amidst tremendous loss and challenges, the cash-for-work program brings a sense of normalcy and stability to participants like Khaled al-Kurd, 50, who found solace and purpose in rebuilding his life through the job. The initiative not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a source of emotional and mental support for those who have endured the hardships of war.
As the participants complete their three-month tenure with the WFP initiative, they face the prospect of navigating their future independently. Many express a desire for the program to continue, underscoring the tangible benefits and positive impact it has had on their lives.
