Gaza's most renowned businesswoman

Gaza, NU Online
In the traditionally conservative Muslim society of the Palestinian Gaza Strip, women do not have much space to run business or occupy a job. But for Mona Ghalayani, one of Gaza's renowned businesswomen, things are totally different.<>

Forty-three-year-old Ghalayani is a unique example of success amid the political turmoil and economic hardship facing the Israel- blockaded coastal enclave.

Ghalayani graduated with a business degree from a Jordanian university. She began her career at 32 as an employee at a restaurant in Gaza. Five year later, Ghalayani decided to start her own business. Now she owns two fancy restaurants and a nice hotel overlooking the Gaza beach.

The first part of her dream came true when she rented a small hotel in Gaza City in partnership with two local businessmen. Shortly after that she opened the first-ever fast-food restaurant in Gaza.

The success of her projects led to the opening of the Roots restaurant, one of the most upscale restaurants in the city.

For Ghalayani, the most prominent achievement was a Western- style hotel on the shore of the Sea of Gaza. Its costs more than two million U.S. dollars.

Ghalayani believes that determination and strong personality were the main reasons behind her success.

"If you have the will, you can do anything. I have done achievements amid difficult political and economic conditions we face," she said.

Today Ghalayani's tourist projects, with 120 employees, are worth five million U.S. dollars.

The always-smiling lady was born to a family of average income. 

Her success is a rare phenomenon in Gaza's conservative society. Women constitute 17.4 percent of the labor force there, but have very few opportunities.

Ghalayani believes that to become a successful businesswomen one must have ambition, along with support from friends and family. She was lucky to have all these elements.

"We helped her by all means and always supported her ideas," said Abu Salah, Ghalayani's brother.

Abu Salah said the family stood by her side because they know how smart she is.

"She had a goal, and she has achieved it. Seriously I'm very proud of my sister," he said.

Outside the family Ghalayani is also socially successful. She has quite good relations with almost everyone she knows, and has even represented the Palestinians at economic meetings held in the United States.

Her success has, however, deprived her of having a family of her own, as she spent most of the time taking care of her business.

Women should have a bigger role in the Palestinian community and a chance to be a main part of the workforce, Ghalayani said.

"The first step is always the most difficult step. Gaza's ambitious women should take a step forward in order to achieve their goals," she concluded. 

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq