JERUSALEM, November 1, 2017 (WAFA) - The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem launched on Tuesday the eighth annual Women’s Microenterprise Bazaar in support of Palestinian female business owners from all over Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, according to a consulate press release.

The evening’s inauguration and fashion presentation showcased the Palestinian-designed styles and handmade products available for sale.

The Microenterprise Bazaar is an important part of the U.S. Consulate General‘s efforts to advance U.S.-Palestinian entrepreneurship and small business development opportunities supporting the economic empowerment of Palestinian women, said the release. Under the Consulate General’s sponsorship, the women entrepreneurs received training in social media engagement, marketing, product development, and customer relations.

In his opening remarks, U.S. Deputy Consul General Michael Hankey said, “Supporting women’s achievement benefits all of society and all of the economy, and that’s why we at the U.S. Consulate General remain focused on that important goal.”

The bazaar is open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday at the Ambassador Hotel in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem. It brings together Palestinian women artists, merchants, designers, and manufacturers of goods that include traditional embroidery, hand-made soap, jewelry, foodstuffs, ceramics, candles, and more.

M.K.