Freelancing secures jobs in Gaza
For Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2023, we celebrate small entrepreneurs from all over the world. Small businesses account for 90% of the world's businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of the global economy. They contribute to local and national economies and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. For MSME Day, we have interviewed Reem Hamadaqa, a freelancer translator and content writer in Gaza.
Tell us about the uniqueness of your work
My name is Reem Hamadaqa. I am a freelancer translator and content writer, and an English teacher. As a fresh graduate with excellence from the University of Gaza, I was confronted with the reality of the job market. University doesn’t guarantee a job. That’s why I participated in a five-months training of the GO digital project, supported by the Business and Technology Incubator (BTI), to step into the freelancing world. I trained in translation and content writing (news writing, scenario writing, narratives) and I have learned technical skills as well as soft skills, like communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Freelancing has changed my life.
What is your greatest success?
I succeeded in finding jobs with local and international clients. Success is yet to come but I have published content (news, narratives) on international platforms, and I currently write for a platform that will help freelancer around the world. I can proudly say that I am financially independent, I don’t rely on any male family members. In addition, I am starting a master’s degree in translation, a winning asset when it comes to finding more clients.
What challenges have you witnessed?
The Gaza environment is challenging. Networking is hard. Freelancing is now more popular than a few years ago and freelancing platforms, like Upwork, connect businesses with independent professionals and agencies around the globe. However, we need more channels of this kind to connect to clients worldwide.
What is your message to other small entrepreneurs?
If you are struggling to find a job, start freelancing! You only need one skill, and it’s accessible for so many professions. You will reach financial independence, which is so important, especially for women.