In her search for a job, Samah Shaheen, 34, received all of these replies: “You do not fit this job,” “You should look for employment in a different place,” and “We cannot hire you.” She still was strong and resilient in her confrontation with the stereotypes about a disabled woman.

Shaheen, suffering from a physical disability on birth, lives in Al-Burij refugee camp in the middle of Gaza Strip. She shares her family’s apartment with three persons.

Shaheen’s tough circumstances forced her to be unable to attend high school or college, to both of which later, however, she went. And, she graduated from college with a two-year diploma in secretary with which she hoped to find an opportunity for employment.

“I applied for many different posts as a secretary, but my application was always rejected due to my disability,” Shaheen says, describing her frustration. “I was told I was not a good “fit” for the job because of my disability.”

Such harsh responses from employers undermined Shaheen’s enthusiasm but never impeded her will from being fulfilled. She tirelessly preserved hope while both developing her skills and challenging stereotypes.

When “Empowerment” project was announced, it did not take Shaheen long to apply, and to be accepted as well.

With her team, Shaheen worked on wooden decorations much demanded by the local costumers. Shaheen’s as well as her team’s talents were shown in their products, which were of quality and customer favorability equal to that of products made by undisabled people.

In addition to improving Shaheen’s economic condition, the project has fostered her independence and self-confidence, positively reflected in her psychological and social state. Today, she is enthusiastic about and determined to continue designing decorations for houses, mosques and organizations. “Thank you, my disability,” Shaheen says humorously. “Without you I would not be where I am today!”