Exploring the role of women entrepreneurs in revitalizing historic Nazareth

Figures & data

Figure 1. Abandoned sections of the historic market district in Nazareth during the summer of 2013. Photo taken by Daniel Laven.

Figure 2. Screen capture of Facebook page promoting the women business owners of Nazareth. Sourced from Facebook by Alon Gelbman, March 2021.

Table 1. Overview of respondents.

Name (pseudonym)	Role	Type of business
Respondents, first study (2012-2014)
Boaz (the only male in the first study)	Co-owner of the business	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Ohda	Owner of the building that became the guest house	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Farida*	Co-owner, previous manager	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Madiha*	Cleaning staff	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Ibriz	Cook	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Respondents, second study (2019)
Female managers
Madiha*	Manager	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Yasmin	Owner, manager	Handmade jewelry, handicraft
Sahiba	Owner, manager	Handmade cross-stiches, embroidery, cushions
Sarah	Co-owner, manager	Cultural café and guesthouse (with husband, Adel)
Rabia	Owner, manager	Café
Maryam	Co-owner, manager	Restaurant and bar (with husband, Zahid)
Farida*	Co-owner, previous manager	Guesthouse, one of the oldest and biggest
Hanifa	Manager, designer	Fashion design school and boutique
Riffat	Owner, manager	Architect services
Hajra	Owner, manager	Jewelry design and boutique
Male managers
Adel	Co-owner, manager	Cultural café and guesthouse (with Sarah)
Zahid	Co-owner	Restaurant and bar (with Maryam)
Tahir	Owner, manager	Family guesthouse
Aayan	Owner, manager	Restaurant
Reference interviews
Abdullah	CEO	Local tourism development agency
Waseem	Student	Research assistant, cultural guide and informant

* Respondents were interviewed in both studies.

Table 2. Overview of themes arising from data.

Main theme 1: Motivational factors for WE	Main theme 2: Unique role of WE	Impacts for SDGs
At individual level
Sense of place Family history Upbringing, origin Social contacts, personal networks Memories from the old city Self-fulfillment Engage in one’s interest, be creative Meet people Break isolation from home Make a living Inner satisfaction	Characteristics of women Palestinian women seen as brave, patient and calm Risk averse, make good decisions Sensitive in handling costumers	SDG 5 Strengthening the role of women, women’s empowerment
At group level, for all women
To create jobs For oneself and others Create a network of WE Stimulate economic activity among women Being role models Inspire, show that it is possible Encourage and help each other Show the way for younger generations	Women as bearers of traditions Have skills and knowledge Make products that are attractive for both locals and tourists Authenticity of handicraft is important	SDG 8 Business development, increased economic activity
At community level, for the collective as a whole
To preserve the value of the old city Old city is unique, cultural heritage has unique value Buildings are old, restorations are urgent Both physical artefacts and intangible values of ‘life’ in old city To preserve cultural values and identity Proudness of identity A collective responsibility Focus on engaging the locals Is about survival of cultural identity Take control over one’s collective destiny As political action	Women are seen as ‘non-provocative’ actors Seen as ‘weak’, in need of protection Women are not seen as a threat Strong norms of ‘honor’ Easier for women to ask for, and get, support	SDG 16 Community development, preserving cultural identity