Al Atayeb (The Delicacy), a cooperative led by Lebanese women based in the town of Kfardebian, north of Beirut, specializes in the production of local and traditional Lebanese foods, such as citrus jams, jams, and jams. fruit, fruit sauces and the famous Lebanese Makdous (Eggplants Salted in Oil).
The 13 women who founded the cooperative each receive a share of the profits as well as the wages earned from their work in food preparation and processing. Local farmers who sell their crops also benefit.
Al Atayeb . Cooperative
A basket of fresh produce made by Al Atayeb Cooperative.
‘How I Empower Women’
“Teaching food preparation skills is my way of empowering women,” said Samira Zoughaib Akiki, president of Al Atayeb. It also energizes me, as I am surrounded by generous and visionary women.”
Akiki started out in the food business about two decades ago, running food processing workshops and training sessions for women. This experience led her and her colleagues to establish Al Atayeb as a cooperative, creating job opportunities and ensuring that all members share in the success of the business.
When Lebanon’s economic crisis was compounded by COVID-19 During the pandemic, Ms. Akiki knew that UN Lebanon was providing essential support to cooperatives like Al Atayeb.
“The United Nations has provided women with monthly wages to sustain their income, the oil and sugar that we use to produce our food, and the jars needed to preserve the products,” said Ms. “. “This solves our financial needs, replenishes our capital and covers our losses: we are able to continue our operations at a time when many businesses are shutting down.”
UNDP Lebanon
Samira Zoughaib Akiki, Chairman of Al Atayeb Cooperative, selects fresh apples for processing.
Overall, UN Lebanon has supported 94 cooperatives from different villages in Lebanon such as Deir Al Ahmar, Fneidek, Qana, Harissa and Lehfed, with a focus on women. This support is made in the form of cash for work and in-kind support such as materials, equipment and tools. At least 6,000 individuals have benefited from a $4.4 million project funded by the German Development Bank KfW through the United Nations Development Program.
Al Atayeb Cooperative is a key factor in helping many Kfardebian families survive the crises, making women proud of themselves and their communities. “Our cooperative represents the values we believe in,” continued Ms. Akiki proudly.We work with passion. We help our community and serve the public good“.
