Since October 2023, life in the West Bank has become increasingly difficult. Escalating military operations, settler violence, and widespread restrictions on the movement of Palestinians have disrupted daily life, making access to healthcare, education, and employment more difficult than ever. 150,000 Palestinians, previously employed in Israel, have had their work permits suspended for. As a result, unemployment has soared and poverty more than doubled.
But amid this crisis, Palestinian communities are showing extraordinary resilience.
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, in partnership with the MA’AN Development Center, is supporting three inspiring cooperatives in the West Bank that are working to build economic independence and social inclusion from the ground up:
- Deir as-Sudan Women’s Cooperative – 16 women farming collectively on an ecological farm, engaging over 80 women in their community.
- Ramallah Deaf Society – A 300-member organisation supporting people with hearing impairments through community and economic initiatives.
- Betallo Women’s Cooperative – 17 women producing locally made food products.
These cooperatives are receiving tailored support to strengthen their leadership, operations, and market strategies. They’re also gaining hands-on vocational training in areas ranging from sustainable farming to food processing to business planning.
Resilience through renewable energy
Earlier this year, the Deir as-Sudan Women’s Cooperative installed a solar power system with support from CoPower. This has been a game-changer. With reliable electricity, they can now run freezers to preserve food, use electric water pumps to cut crop irrigation time by two-thirds, and even enjoy a cup of tea in their office— small human comforts for people so often denied their humanity.
“The solar panels gave us a positive push to work, and we feel we are more successful now. Watering the crops now takes 1 hour instead of 3.”
– Fida Abdul Razzaq, founding member, Deir as-Sudan Women’s Cooperative
Collective action
The Ramallah Deaf Society has begun producing its first food products after receiving training and equipment and developed a market strategy. Members say workshops on leadership and teamwork have transformed how they see themselves and they now they appreciate the value of collective action.
“This project changed me forever, highlighting the incredible value of working together to overcome challenges and reach our goals.”
-Atta Qaher Al-Khatib, member, Ramallah Deaf Society
Women’s production
The Betallo Women’s Cooperative is finalising its business strategy and preparing to launch new food products in the coming months. These initiatives are not just about survival—they’re about dignity, resilience, and building sovereignty.
By supporting these cooperatives, we are supporting Palestinian women and people with disabilities take control of their livelihoods and futures.
It’s a powerful reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, solidarity and collective action can light the way forward.
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is currently supporting MA’AN’s Capacity Building for Cooperatives project which also receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Australian Education Union.
