Restaurant in Gaza run by women, for women
In the male-dominated Gaza Strip, a Palestinian woman has achieved her dream of becoming a chef thanks to a new restaurant where she is the head of an all-female team that serves an all-female clientele.
In a conservative and congested neighbourhood where some women complain of a lack of private and safe leisure places, “Sabaia VIP,” which opened last month and serves light meals like chicken sandwiches and pizza, has been doing brisk business.
Amena Al-Hayek, the chef, received training at a hotel restaurant where she did volunteer work. There were opportunities there for new chefs, but she was never given any consideration.
“The executive branch rejected (me). They stated that a man, not a woman, should be the cook”, Hayek told news sources.
Restaurant in Gaza run by women, for women
Arabic meaning “Lasses,” Sabaia is a fun name for a clientele of women of all ages and no men.
The owner, Reham Hamouda, explained that the inspiration for the project came from her desire to create a quiet space where she could exercise her freedom and solitude.
In Gaza, where unemployment is about 50%, Hamouda provides much-needed cash through the employment of eight women on staff and other women who make food in their homes.
Without a man’s guidance, we were able to start a restaurant and make it successful, Hayek claimed.
