For rural Bedouin women the opportunity for work and personal development while fulfilling their duties inside the home is nearly impossible.  Working outside the home is not generally accepted as an honourable practice for married women.  The cross-stitch project that Operation Mercy has implemented is currently employing 25 Bedouin ladies.  Through this project these ladies are able to work inside the home, develop themselves, and earn a small income.  

In Shomerea, Operation Mercy Jordan’s local helper, Um Heisen, is improving her ability to organize the cross-stitch work and manage the ladies who sew in the village by herself.  She now understands why the women should have ownership of the project in order to sustain it without help from foreign staff.  The project is encouraging more ladies by improving not only their own skills, but also their self-confidence.

Operation Mercy staff has been adjusting and building strategic relationships with the ladies involved. The orders are increasing, resulting in a higher income. Um Heisen who carries the responsibility and accountability for this work, has been able to organize and control the quality of the handcrafted products.