Women of the World

Nihad

Nihad lives near Ramallah, in the town of Ram. She is a second wife and cares for her 4 children, but also feels responsible for her husband's 10 other children. Nihad heard about the Melia Center from her sister and began doing embroidery work with her. Five years ago, after doing wonderful work for the Center, Nihad became a distributor and now distributes work to up to 30 women when business is good. The work she receives from Melia allows her to earn money to care for her children and buy the things they need. Her husband recently bought a house for them, but now he wants to leave for the United States. The work from Melia allows her to support her family, even when her husband will not give her money. Her five-year old son Abed also likes coming to Melia and is proud of the beautiful work his mother does. He often helps her put away the finished pieces because he wants to keep them nice for Melia!

"Even when there is no work I like to come to Melia, to talk to the people and be with friends." Even though it is sometimes difficult for Nihad to pass through the check points, Nihad enjoys working with the Melia Center and the economic independence it gives her.