My name is Salma, and I am a thirty-year-old Palestinian woman. I was born in the West Bank but grew up in Gaza City. My family has been in the embroidery business for generations, and we have always prided ourselves on our traditional craftsmanship.
I remember growing up in Gaza, surrounded by olive trees and grapevines, with distant mountains in the background. The landscape was beautiful, but it was also a reminder of how much we were limited by the occupation.
Despite the challenges, I always felt a sense of pride and connection to my culture and heritage. As a child, I would spend hours watching my mother embroider intricate designs on fabric, and I knew that one day I wanted to carry on this tradition.
As I grew older, however, it became clear that there were many obstacles standing in the way of my dreams. The political situation in Gaza was becoming increasingly volatile, and it seemed as though everyday life was becoming more and more difficult.
But despite these challenges, I refused to give up on my passion for embroidery. I worked tirelessly to perfect my craft, learning from the masters of our trade and experimenting with new techniques and designs.
Eventually, I was able to open my own business in Gaza City, where I sell my handmade embroidered goods to customers around the world. While it has been a long road filled with struggles and setbacks, I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and I know that there is still so much more for me to achieve.
In closing, I would like to say that as a Palestinian woman, I understand all too well the challenges that we face on a daily basis. But despite these obstacles, I refuse to give up on my dreams or lose sight of who I am and where I come from. My hope is that one day, we will be able to live in a world where everyone can fulfill their potential and achieve their goals without fear or limitation.