The Handicraft Cooperative Association in Bethlehem was established in 2010. It is made up of twenty female members, each experienced with a specific handicraft. The Cooperative came in response to the lack of organized work in the handicraft industry, where women felt that they were not receiving a fair price for their products or were not able to produce the high-quality finished products of their competitors. Thus, the Cooperative purpose is to develop the individual capacities of women, enhance their participation in the market, and improve their abilities to be able to compete.
Mariam runs this small but important cooperative as it aims to promote the women’s work in a very competitive market. Located just a few meters from Nativity Church and Milk Grotto Street, Mariam is trying to make sure that the women producers from marginalized villages in Hebron and Bethlehem can generate income through selling their work to tourists and pilgrims visiting this world-famous site.
If you are in the area, do pass by to see and buy from the collection of high quality handicraft products that include beadwork, ceramics, embroidery, glass, mosaic, olive wood, and silver.
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Product Selling Points: On location.