Open discussions: Women in Talfeet
air their views and work together at
the UNIFEM women's center.
alfeet is a
picturesque
village, tucked
into the West
Bank hills, justWomen WorkingTogether in the Rural West Bank
UNDP/PAPP, in partnership with UNIFEM, has been
involved in a range of community-centred projects in the
West Bank, aimed at the social and economic empowerment
of women in rural communities.
Tsouth of Nablus. Olive trees dot
the landscape and the old, stone
buildings in the town's centre,
narrow, winding streets, and
elderly men and women tending
to their gardens give the area a
nostalgic air.A little way down the hill from
the town is the Talfeet Women's
Center, where a very different
atmosphere pervades. Constructed
by UNDP/PAPP, and activated
through UNIFEM's Sabaya
programme, this women's centre is
part of the programme's pilot phase.
The centre was originally built to
serve as the premises for the Talfeet
village council; however since it
was completed in 2001 the centre
has stood unoccupied - until now. Equipped with computers and
teaming with women, young and
old, eager to learn and juggling
both families and a number of
courses, the centre is now a
central part of life for many of
Talfeet's women. Courses include
literacy and Tawjihi classes thePalestinian secondary school
diploma needed for entrance into
university; agricultural training;
sewing and embroidery; and
computer literacy and internet
skills."Since the centre was activated,
it has become like a second homefor many women," explained the
centre's director Myasar Saeed.
"It has provided them with a safe
environment in which to develop
and learn new skills."The centre has revitalised many
women in the community who
had felt marginalised in a society
