Sustaining livelihoods amid crisis in Gaza

Nidaa, Hanaa and Hanin have different stories, but share a common thread: the determination to build something of their own and keep it going despite extraordinary challenges facing them in war-ravaged Gaza.Following the devastation of the past three years, productive capacity in Gaza has been severely damaged, markets disrupted and the cost of basic goods has risen sharply.Their experiences reflect different parts of the same challenge: sustaining livelihoods that still exist, helping businesses restart and creating new opportunities where livelihoods have disappeared.Running a business today means navigating uncertainty at every turn. Yet amid these challenges, women continue to find ways to work, adapting their businesses, learning new skills and somehow – supporting their families.Nidaa: A livelihood built from childhoodNidaa, 35, has her own business raising and selling chickens, ducks and rabbits in the southern city of Khan Younis.“I was passionate about this business since I was a child,” she said. “My mother worked with animals, and she taught me everything she knew. During the war, I faced many challenges with continuing my business. However, I insisted on continuing.”Whe...