Sweet Success: Transforming Lives and Preserving Lebanese Heritage

In Lebanon, women are increasingly making their mark in the business world, yet only about 25% of businesses are women-owned. Female entrepreneurs still face significant hurdles, from limited access to funding and markets to societal norms that can restrict their opportunities. Despite these challenges, Lebanese women are proving their resilience and ingenuity, leading the way in sectors like agriculture, tech, and social enterprise. One inspiring example is Jar Thuraya, a women-led social enterprise that blends tradition with innovation. Founded by architect-turned-social-entrepreneur Martine Zaarour, Jar Thuraya specializes in handcrafted, plant-based preserves made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from villages across Lebanon.

Thanks to our Giving Joy grant, Jar Thuraya recently hosted a chocolate-making workshop at the Lehfed Women’s Cooperative, known for producing traditional Lebanese food products called mouneh. Sixteen women, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, learned the art of chocolate melting, tempering, and molding, while incorporating Jar Thuraya’s signature jams and spreads into their creations.

The workshop was a success on multiple levels. Beyond teaching valuable skills, it equipped each participant with a personalized toolkit to continue creating chocolates at home. Women are now experimenting with new recipes, sharing their creations with neighbors and local shops, and exploring fresh income-generating opportunities that strengthen their communities.

For Jar Thuraya, the workshop marked the expansion of their business model to include innovative products like chocolates, while staying true to their mission of preserving Lebanese culinary traditions. The session also fostered a sense of community, helping the women build stronger social ties and collaborate in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, Jar Thuraya is planning a follow-up workshop focused on advanced techniques and recipe development. A select group of women will help refine the chocolate-making process and contribute to a new chocolate collection featuring signature jams and spreads, set to launch before Christmas (check it out HERE!!!)

The impact is clear: supporting women, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening local economies. But there is still more work to be done. By donating to Giving Joy, you can help programs like Jar Thuraya reach more women around the world, enabling them to achieve their potential and make a lasting difference in their communities.