Martine Zaarour & Jar Thuraya
Martine Zaarour is an architect and social entrepreneur dedicated to design innovation, sustainability, and women's empowerment. She is the founder of Jar Thuraya, a women-led social enterprise in Lebanon that preserves the country’s culinary heritage while empowering rural women through sustainable food production. Jar Thuraya specializes in handcrafted, plant-based preserves, inspired by traditional Lebanese recipes, and uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from villages across Lebanon.
A key highlight of our Giving Joy grant was a hands-on chocolate-making workshop at the Lehfed Cooperative. Sixteen women, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, participated in a training on chocolate production, covering the basics of chocolate melting, tempering, and molding techniques. The workshop also featured the unique combination of traditional Lebanese flavors, with Jar Thuraya’s artisanal jams and spreads being integrated into chocolate fillings. Martine guided the participants through a demonstration of how to incorporate these locally made preserves into chocolate creations. Each woman had the opportunity to create her own chocolate bars and truffles, using nuts and jams sourced from their communities.
The workshop was a transformative experience. Each participant received a personal toolkit to continue making chocolates at home, which included silicone molds, whisks, spatulas, mixing bowls, and starter ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, and fillings.
This workshop was a catalyst for both personal and professional growth for the women involved. For the first time, the Lehfed Women’s Cooperative became not just a production site, but a space for learning and creativity. The women proudly presented their handmade chocolates at the end of the day, showcasing their newfound skills and confidence. Many participants have already started experimenting with their kits at home, sharing samples with neighbors and local shops, and exploring new ways to generate income.
For Jar Thuraya, the workshop marked a significant expansion of their training model, incorporating value-added products such as chocolate, while staying true to their mission of preserving Lebanese culinary traditions. The workshop also strengthened social ties among the rural women, fostering collaboration and community engagement.
Looking ahead, Jar Thuraya plans to host a follow-up workshop focused on advanced techniques and recipe development. A select group of women will refine their skills and contribute to the creation of Jar Thuraya’s new chocolate collection, featuring chocolates filled with signature jams and spreads. This new product line is set to launch before Christmas, further expanding the business and continuing to empower the women involved.
The lessons learned from the workshop were invaluable. It became clear that hands-on learning works best, as the women gained confidence through direct practice rather than theoretical instruction. Providing personal kits for each participant empowered them to continue learning at home, giving them the independence to practice and experiment at their own pace.
The impact of the Jar Thuraya initiative, made possible by the Giving Joy grant, serves as a powerful example of how empowering women can preserve cultural heritage, strengthen local economies, and create lasting change within communities.
