Technical brief
Livelihood interventions for women in Gaza
In response to the devastating situation in Gaza, the International Labour Organization (ILO) implemented a response programme in 2015 to support the most vulnerable communities by providing immediate income support and skills training, with a particular focus on women, youth and people with disabilities.
In July 2014, Israel launched an intense seven-week military operation in the Gaza Strip codenamed “Protective Edge”. Following the assault, labour market conditions in Gaza have continued to deteriorate due to the ongoing blockade and access restrictions that have long prevented meaningful economic activities. Women have been highly affected by the conflict which reduced the already limited labour market opportunities. Despite improved educational attainments for women in recent years, livelihood activities in Gaza typically target men.
This technical brief highlights five livelihood initiatives comprising the gender component of the ILO’s response programme, namely on skills and on-the job training for unemployed female graduates, skills training and cash-for work program for women sheep breeders, training workshops on the principles and values of cooperatives, upgrading skills of female architects to work in the area of furniture design and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in vocational training.
This technical brief highlights five livelihood initiatives comprising the gender component of the ILO’s response programme, namely on skills and on-the job training for unemployed female graduates, skills training and cash-for work program for women sheep breeders, training workshops on the principles and values of cooperatives, upgrading skills of female architects to work in the area of furniture design and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in vocational training.