On the shore of Gaza, 1.8 million people are stranded under an Israeli military blockade reinforced by Egypt’s border closure. Gaza is known to many as one of the hardest places to live, and even harder to start a business. The United Nations has said that under the current conditions, Gaza could be uninhabitable by 2020. That didn’t stop Madeleine Kulab from defying the cultural norms and starting a fishing and tourism business a decade ago, when she was only 13 years old. She now gives work to five men and owns two boats, which she uses for fishing and offering tours aimed at women and children. Madeleine saw an opportunity created by the conservative Gazan society – women alone might not feel comfortable on a man’s boat. She took out a loan from the Bank of Palestine, participated in a mini-MBA program, and hired a local artist to paint Disney characters on her touring boat as a marketing strategy. Madeleine now makes between 800 and 1,000 shekels a month – about $250. A typical Gazan family on aid gets only 400 shekels a month.
Madeleine Kulab Credit: Elizabeth MacBride
Madeleine Kulab has a remarkable story of courage and perseverance. She gets plenty of harassment for her entrepreneurial decision – Gazan culture certainly doesn’t welcome women entrepreneurs with open arms. Many young people are itching to leave Gaza – but the permits and visas needed make it nearly impossible. Madeleine is a wonderful example of learning to make the most of the current situation, pushing the limits of society and economy. Her life isn’t easy, by any means, but her bravery and determination enables her to provide for her family and give work to others in her community. Madeleine hopes to see other women joining her in her efforts. “I’m just as ordinary as anybody else,” she said. “I don’t want to be the only fisherwoman in Gaza.”
For more on Madeleine Kulab, read her story here.
That’s wonderful that she’s not only making the most of her circumstances, but that she’s able to provide income for five other families through this business. This story is not only inspiring, it shows the importance entrepreneurs play in society. This is a great example of ingenuity changing lives for the better.
I think this is an inspiring story of a women who was brave enough to defy culture norms and not allow society to control her life. She found something that she loved and decided to make a business out of it that not only inspired others but also gave jobs to others in her community. I hope that other women are inspired by her story and have the courage to do similar things that Madeleine did.
Wow! This post is very inspiring. I have personally been to Israel, and I can testify that the restrictions the Palestinians go through are intense. The fact that Madeleine is a female entrepreneur at such a young age is inspiring to so many girls, that no matter what your struggle is…you can succeed. Tourism is a great field of work to many in Israel, so I can see how her business was a great venture. I even took a boat tour in Israel, which shows that it’s in demand by tourists visiting the area.