In many countries on the shores of the Mediterranean, handicrafts make a large contribution to the wealth of the area, not only from an economic-touristic aspect but also on a social level. It is impossible to visit an Arab country without being aware of female enterprises which through their production manage to reconcile aspects of entrepreneurship within a social context. Immersed in cultural significance and supplements of civilization and materials, these handicrafts of a decorative, traditional or modern nature, reflect strongly and historically traditions of the area as well as representing an element of work and socialisation for women also.

 

From father to son, mother to daughter, handicrafts have been jealously nurtured within the family as part of a cultural heritage for all the succeeding generations. Nevertheless, the variety and importance of human requirements explain the diversity and abundance of the many forms of handicrafts that exist in the Southern Mediterranean. From embroidery to ceramics, carpet weaving and perfume making, women, particularly in the Arab world, demonstrate in the making of handicrafts the occasion to strenghten their own womanly being and position in a world where work is very often an exclusively male domain. This particularly applies in regions where female emancipation strives to become a reason for order and general interest and where lots of restrictions impede female identity in a social context.

Nevertheless, thanks to historical and political development and community support, women today are able to have a greater involvement in running many projects that develop labour leading to the establishing of worthwhile associations and cooperatives that attempt in all possible ways to further female emancipation not only in a socio-relatonal context but also in a productive context. In many countries like Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt women play a vital role in furthering their own communities hence creating an example and model for those who still make distinctions based on gender in the work environment.

Furthermore, handicrafts should not be considered as an opportunity for female social redemption but as an opportunity to get to know and encounter larger realities and to discover new products capable of expanding ideas and projects. A good example are the many national and international workshops promoted by different organisations to promote local products. These events are a means of narrowing the gap between distant realities and create a handcraft of excellence that exalts female professionalism and gives an impetus to new forms of collaboration and socialisation, offering the female world a new form of identity that places them not only at the centre, but also in a different and original productive context.