By Suzan Abu Farha | Women Entrepreneurship Program Director
From the village of Rummana, in the district of Jenin, Badra has sown the seeds of strawberries, and nurtured a thriving agricultural venture that has become a symbol of sustainable success. Her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and community leadership is a testament to the transformative potential of each woman.
Badra graduated in 2015 from Al-Quds Open University, with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, and a specialization in plant production and protection. Her professional journey began with a training period on a strawberry farm, and she further developed her skills working at a plant nursery.
As Badra recalls, "Since the first day at university, my ambition and passion have been to create my own project that is directly related to my studies and practical experience". And her vision materialized in 2018 when she established a strawberry farm and nursery in her hometown, a decision inspired by her background and a pressing market need for the product. Spanning 1.5 acres, her farm was conceived with a specific focus on the production of strawberries, and has expanded to produce seedlings and mother seedlings.
With her knowledge and experience, Badra's farm quickly became a local success story. Having identified the absence of a similar project in the local market, she recognized an opportunity to make a difference in her community.
A pivotal moment came with her participation in TYO's Women Entrepreneurship Development Program. The training equipped her with the skills to deal with financial data, make informed decisions, and strategically plan for the future. Having succeeded on her project, and being awarded seed-funding to grow her business, Badra was able to catalyze the farm's expansion, significantly reducing the development period and enabling it to meet the growing demands of the Jenin market.
According to Badra, "The success of the project has had a great impact on my life. First, the self-satisfaction of fulfilling my dream and pursuing my ambition, and second the achievement of my financial independence now that I can depend on the revenues of my business."
Beyond the financial realization, the success of Badra's venture is now intertwined with the prosperity of Rummana and beyond, as it has brought about positive societal changes. Embracing organic agriculture, Badra and her team have actively engaged in educating the local community. Through the distribution of strawberry seedlings, organic fertilizers, and hands-on agricultural demonstrations, they have instilled a greater understanding of the benefits and necessity of organic farming.
Moreover, Badra is committed to empowering women, as she describes the societal impacts of her business "the most important is that I was able to employ many women to work for the project, whether directly on the farm or by working from home during the planting stage".
As she continues to cultivate growth in the fields of Rummana, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of passion, education, and a commitment to community welfare.
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