Khayari: Palestinian Women Empowerment in Leadership & Economics
Bethlehem District, Palestine
Our Mission & Vision
Since 2023, Khayari Organization has navigated profound challenges as a Palestinian-led initiative operating amidst ongoing horrors in Palestine and across the Middle East. These struggles are compounded by the personal and collective trauma of loss, survivor guilt, and the erosion of normalcy. Yet, Khayari’s resilience, rooted in steadfastness (sumud), determination, and the support of its community, has been unwavering. Khayari is more than just an organization; it is a lifeline for young women seeking a community of empowerment, leadership, and economic opportunity in a region fraught with challenges. Khayari successfully trained two cohorts in 2024, offering hope and tools for transformation despite immense hurdles. These outcomes reflect on the organization’s journey, highlighting its impact and its continued commitment to teaching life and inspiring change where it is needed most.
Khayari, meaning 'my choice' in Arabic, embodies our commitment to empowering women by providing a platform that strengthens their agency and supports their growth, enabling them to thrive despite challenging circumstances. Khayari’s work is grounded in a holistic approach that combines skill development, psychosocial support, conflict management and understanding, cultural heritage preservation, and practical training through internships and beyond to address the essential gaps in self-development and improvement for women. By creating safe and empowering spaces, we aim to address immediate needs while fostering long-term growth which impacts the community by creating mutual support. What makes Khayari stand out is the continuous coaching provided by the team, guiding women through critical life decisions and supporting their personal, career, and leadership pathways in a healthy and empowering manner.
"I used to fear learning new things or being in unfamiliar situations. Khayari pushed me beyond my limits, and I proved myself wrong by overcoming challenges with their support." - Razan
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Mission
To empower young Palestinian women through leadership, skill development, and cultural awareness to create a more equitable and empowered society.
Vision
A resilient community of women leaders driving change and fostering equality across Palestine and the larger world.
Objectives
- Create a safe space and empowering community for Palestinian women.
- Equip participants with interpersonal, leadership, and professional skills that are not addressed through the current Palestinian educational system.
- Foster cultural pride and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Build sustainable partnerships to support women’s development.
"Khayari boosted my self-confidence. I didn't have the social skills or knowledge on how to do group work." - Leah
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Khayari Website & Social Media Links: www.khayari.org | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
2024 Narrative Report: Link
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Khayari & Experience Mission: A Partnership for Impact
Khayari Organization is an officially registered nonprofit under the Ministry of Interior in Palestine, dedicated to empowering young Palestinian women through leadership, economic opportunity, and community-building programs.
Experience Mission, as an official U.S.-based nonprofit, plays a crucial role in facilitating fundraising efforts for Khayari while also providing volunteer programs that expand Khayari’s reach and visibility. Through this partnership, Khayari gains access to a broader network of people, allowing the organization to promote its cause, engage new supporters, and secure funding for its initiatives.
Beyond fundraising, Experience Mission deeply values Khayari’s voice, wisdom, and perspective. We are committed to championing their leadership and amplifying their impact, ensuring that the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Palestinian women are recognized in global conversations.
This collaboration strengthens solidarity, advocacy, and resource-sharing, helping Khayari continue its vital mission.
Support Us
Fundraising Campaign: Essential Skills Training
This campaign supports the Career Pathways: Leadership and Soft Skills Development Program, a transformative initiative that equips Palestinian women with the tools they need to navigate personal and professional challenges with confidence. The program offers free, high-quality services and coaching, ensuring that women gain essential leadership, professional, and interpersonal skills that empower them to take control of their futures.
More than just training, this program fosters self-awareness, leadership capabilities, and resilience while also providing vital psycho-social support. It creates a safe and empowering space where women can process their experiences, develop their voices, and build the confidence to make autonomous decisions in a patriarchal society.
Through this program, participants connect with a supportive network of like-minded women, forming bonds that inspire solidarity, mutual empowerment, and collective strength. By exploring their cultural heritage and identity, they develop not only the skills but also the conviction to assert governance over matters that affect them and other women. This allows them to challenge societal constraints, advocate for change, and shape policies essential for women's success.
This initiative is rooted in careful monitoring and evaluation by Khayari, which gathers input through focus groups and surveys to ensure the program directly addresses the needs of Palestinian women. Your support is crucial. By funding this program, you help women gain the tools, confidence, and autonomy to lead, thrive, and drive systemic change. Join us in empowering the next generation of women leaders – donate today.
Fundraising Campaign: Paid Practical Internships
In Palestine, youth unemployment is alarmingly high, with women facing an unemployment rate of 45%—a statistic that predates the devastating war on Gaza. Today, the reality is even harsher, with limited job opportunities and growing economic uncertainty. Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, often excluded from the workforce due to social, economic, and systemic barriers in a deeply patriarchal society.
This initiative directly addresses these challenges by providing paid internships for Palestinian women, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience. By partnering with local organizations, we ensure that women can apply their skills in meaningful roles while receiving financial support, preparing them for future employment opportunities.
Beyond financial assistance, this internship offers a transformative experience—one that empowers women to:
- Put their skills into practice and gain hands-on experience in their fields.
- Develop leadership capabilities and decision-making skills.
- Become more informed about life choices, career paths, and personal growth.
- Challenge patriarchal norms by demonstrating their ability to lead and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In a landscape where job opportunities are scarce, this initiative is not just about employment—it’s about creating pathways to independence, self-sufficiency, and long-term change.
By funding this program, you are investing in a future where Palestinian women have access to opportunities that were once out of reach. Your contribution helps break cycles of unemployment, fosters economic empowerment, and enables women to take control of their futures.
Join us in equipping the next generation of women leaders – donate today and be part of the change.
Fundraising Campaign: International Cultural Exchanges
Due to political challenges, movement restrictions, and regional barriers, Palestinian women have limited access to cultural exchange opportunities—a critical gap that hinders their ability to connect, grow, and engage with women across the Arab world and beyond. In many cases, women in Palestine have never had the chance to travel or experience other cultures firsthand, missing out on opportunities that could broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership, and provide them with invaluable support networks.
This initiative creates pathways for Palestinian women to participate in intercultural programs abroad, where they can engage with women from different Arab nations, share mutual understandings, and exchange strategies for overcoming common challenges. These experiences foster global solidarity, build leadership capabilities, and empower women to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Through these exchanges, participants will:
- Share their stories and experiences, fostering meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
- Gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives, expanding their horizons beyond geographical and societal limitations.
- Build strong networks with women across the region, forming lasting connections that inspire collaboration and support.
- Proudly represent their heritage, ensuring Palestinian voices are heard and recognized on a global stage.
By funding this initiative, you are giving Palestinian women the opportunity to step beyond imposed borders and engage in life-changing experiences. Your support will open doors to new possibilities, strengthen regional solidarity, and equip women with the tools they need to lead and thrive.
Join us in breaking barriers – invest in the future of Palestinian women today.
Who is Experience Mission?
EM exists to help people love and serve others like Jesus—sacrificially, hollistically, and whole-heartedly—connecting volunteers to learning and service opportunities across the U.S. and around the world.
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