Hiroshima-based “Salaam” seeks to support Palestinian women
Jan. 16, 2013
Salaam, a group based in Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, is working to provide support to Palestinian women, enhancing their independence by helping the women make good use of their skill at embroidery. In Arabic, the local language, the word “Salaam” means “peace.”
The origin of this effort goes back to 1991, when the Gulf War broke out, and Shiori Kamigaki, 53, the leader of the group, wondered what she could do to help the Palestinian people, who were suffering as a result of conflict. When a friend went to Palestine in 1995 to launch an aid activity, Ms. Kamigaki began to lend support to her friend from Hiroshima. Initially, they were part of an organization based in Tokyo, but in 2000, they founded Salaam.
Palestinian women hand down the skill of making ethnic attire to their daughters. Ms. Kamigaki’s friend teaches the local women how to produce embroidered bags and book covers. Salaam then imports these products and sells them at bazaars and other venues in Japan. The goods are sold at a suitable price through the practice of “fair trade,” which also covers the costs of materials, labor, and shipping.
Ms. Kamigaki says that there is high unemployment among Palestinian men and so the women’s contributions are gradually improving the lives of these families. “More than anything,” she said, “I’m really happy that the women have been inspired by the appreciation people show for their work.”
Palestine continues to suffer from conflict, and because of the many checkpoints on the roads, people are unable to move freely and transport their products. Ms. Kamigaki hopes that peace will come to the region one day soon. (Takeshi Iwata, 14)
(Originally published on January 7, 2013)
The origin of this effort goes back to 1991, when the Gulf War broke out, and Shiori Kamigaki, 53, the leader of the group, wondered what she could do to help the Palestinian people, who were suffering as a result of conflict. When a friend went to Palestine in 1995 to launch an aid activity, Ms. Kamigaki began to lend support to her friend from Hiroshima. Initially, they were part of an organization based in Tokyo, but in 2000, they founded Salaam.
Palestinian women hand down the skill of making ethnic attire to their daughters. Ms. Kamigaki’s friend teaches the local women how to produce embroidered bags and book covers. Salaam then imports these products and sells them at bazaars and other venues in Japan. The goods are sold at a suitable price through the practice of “fair trade,” which also covers the costs of materials, labor, and shipping.
Ms. Kamigaki says that there is high unemployment among Palestinian men and so the women’s contributions are gradually improving the lives of these families. “More than anything,” she said, “I’m really happy that the women have been inspired by the appreciation people show for their work.”
Palestine continues to suffer from conflict, and because of the many checkpoints on the roads, people are unable to move freely and transport their products. Ms. Kamigaki hopes that peace will come to the region one day soon. (Takeshi Iwata, 14)
(Originally published on January 7, 2013)
