Reem H. Abboushi was born and raised in Jenin, West Bank. She is the seventh and youngest child in her family. Reem has very fond memories of her childhood in Jenin and her family life. “My father was a very stern man. He never had to say anything twice and usually gave orders with his eyes. But by the time I came along, he was tired from raising my brothers and sisters and this made things easier for me. My siblings still begrudge me all the things I was allowed to do!”

Reem has a degree in economics from Birzeit University and extensive work experience. She started as an instructor of statistics and economics at a community college. Next, she spent four years as a research assistant before becoming a coordinator for small-scale enterprises. From 1991-1997 she was first responsible for training and curriculum development and later became a women’s programme manager in Ramallah. During this time she also worked as a senior researcher. Since 1997 Reem has been the executive director of the Palestinian Businesswomen’s Association - Asala. “I thoroughly enjoy my work - the challenges and rewards alike. Asala has grown substantially since its establishment, and our ability to expand and reach more women - those truly in need - is very important to all of us [at Asala]. I truly believe in my team and in our work for women’s empowerment - all this makes work a pleasure.”

Reem has always believed that if given a suitable environment, women can achieve wonders. She strongly believes in and is committed to the abilities of Palestinian women. She respects housewives and believes that raising children is one of the most difficult jobs in the world; but because women are multi-achievers, they can still do much more. Reem has always worked to support women’s empowerment and is strongly against early marriage, as it usually precipitates an end to education. She believes that laws must be enforced that ensure that girls are provided with every possible opportunity to continue their education and that family laws should protect, not neglect, women. Yet Reem also encourages women themselves to mobilise, and she is a well-known activist for women’s rights. “Women shouldn’t sit around waiting for laws, as laws are the result of society’s voice. First and foremost, women themselves are responsible for their own futures. They must be encouraged to believe in themselves and insist on participating equally in society.” Speaking from deep-rooted convictions, Reem asserts that Palestinian women are outstanding models; their capacity to survive and support their families and communities comes from an innate resilience and survival mechanism.

Asala’s staff unanimously agree that Reem’s management style, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to women’s issues make her a very successful director. She is sensitive to her staff’s needs but always challenges them. She has no doubt in women’s abilities and sets the bar of expectation for her staff very high. Since more than 95 percent of Asala’s staff are women, it is clear that Reem puts her beliefs into practice. When asked about the male-female ratio of her staff, Reem answers, “Asala’s success is the success of women. Women are multi-achievers. After a demanding day at work, my staff still have to go home to manage households. And women give everything - 110 percent! It is only logical that I lean towards hiring women whenever possible!”