Bank of Palestine celebrated the graduation of 28 women entrepreneurs from the seventh and eighth cohorts of its “Felestineya” Mini-MBA program, marking another milestone in its long-standing commitment to fostering female leadership in the Palestinian economy. The event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Ramallah, also saw the announcement of the program’s ninth cohort, signaling continued investment in women-led businesses. The initiative is a collaborative effort with partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Ernst & Young, the Business Women Forum, and Global Communities.
Quick Facts
- 28 women graduated from the program’s 7th and 8th cohorts.
- The program has trained over 200 women entrepreneurs to date.
- A ninth cohort has been officially launched.
Beyond Banking: Building an Entrepreneurial Support System
Mahmoud Al-Shawa, General Manager of Bank of Palestine, emphasized that the Felestineya Mini-MBA is part of a broader vision to build an integrated support system for entrepreneurs that extends beyond traditional financing.
“This program is part of the bank’s vision to build a complete system for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment,” Al-Shawa stated during the ceremony. He pointed to other key initiatives like the “Intersect” business incubator and the “Ibtikar” fund as evidence of the bank’s strategy to support promising ventures at various growth stages.
Over the past decade, the Felestineya program has become a significant national platform for women’s economic empowerment. It has successfully equipped over 200 business owners with the management, leadership, and financial skills needed to enhance their projects’ competitiveness and sustainability. According to the bank, the program’s wider awareness and outreach initiatives have reached more than 25,000 Palestinian women.
Government and Institutional Backing for Female Founders
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Minister of Women’s Affairs Mona Al-Khalili, Minister of Labour Dr. Inas Al-Attari, and Deputy Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority Mohammad Manasra, who all voiced strong support for the initiative.
“Investing in women’s capabilities and enhancing their economic opportunities is an investment in the future of Palestinian society as a whole,” said Mona Al-Khalili, commending the efforts of Bank of Palestine and its partners.
Dr. Inas Al-Attari added that developing women’s skills to lead businesses contributes directly to their participation in the labor market and supports the growth of Palestine’s private sector.
Representing the financial sector, Mohammad Manasra highlighted the program’s importance for promoting financial inclusion and sustainable development. “The Felestineya program is a practical model for supporting women entrepreneurs and developing their leadership and managerial abilities, enabling them to expand their projects and ensure their sustainability,” he noted.
From Classroom to Market: Graduate Success Stories
The impact of the program was brought to life by the graduates themselves. Raghad Jamous, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, described the program as “an inspiring journey of learning, development, and discovering potential.” She highlighted how it bolstered their confidence and provided a more ambitious and sustainable vision for their businesses.
In a video message, Rozan Al-Khazendar, a graduate from a decade ago and director of the company “Roza,” shared her story of taking her project to the global stage. Her experience served as a powerful example of the perseverance characteristic of Palestinian women entrepreneurs.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates of the seventh and eighth cohorts and the honoring of the program’s partners for their contributions.
About Felestineya
The “Felestineya لإدارة الأعمال” (Felestineya for Business Administration) Mini-MBA is a flagship initiative by Bank of Palestine designed to invest in female entrepreneurial talent in Palestine. In partnership with institutions like the IFC and Ernst & Young, the program provides women business owners with advanced skills in management, finance, and leadership to help them scale their ventures and contribute more effectively to the Palestinian economy.
Source: Madar News
