Madonna Project

We are thrilled that Madonna and Ray of Light Foundation donated to fund microloans for women in Palestine. 28 women received microloans to start their own business. They range from a lamb and cheese business for Fawziya from Jalame village (shown) to free range chickens, and many more.

THE PROJECT: Madonna and the Ray of Light Foundation have donated microloans to the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA) for female farmers and entrepreneurs in Palestine. The PFTA empowers women by providing them the capacity to produce and earn income, a market for their products, and social benefits of working in cooperatives.

UPDATE: The PFTA met with five women's cooperatives in the West Bank to explain the loan process. Members submitted proposals, and the PFTA made field visits to access their viability. Microloans to 28 women were approved and financed by the PFTA. Some of their stories follow.

DETAILS: The loans are no interest, with a grace period of one year with no payments to establish the projects, then a three year repayment schedule. The PFTA will give technical support and marketing help to insure the success of the ventures, and make quarterly visits to monitor progress and offer additional support if needed.

As the loans are paid back by the women entrepreneurs after the first year, the amounts will be rotated into new projects with a similar process and terms. On the Ground, Inc., PFTA's cosponsor of the Run Across Palestine, is the PFTA's fiscal sponsor on this grant.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR STORIES: