Women start filling up tanks at Gaza gas station
Marking a first in the Gaza Strip, a gas station manager is employing women despite the criticism.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A gas station owned by Labib al-Helou and Sons in Gaza City announced Jan. 3 that it is looking to employ women, with the job announcement stating that applicants should be “presentable” and “good-looking.”
A job ad addressing a woman's looks would be considered inappropriate in many countries, but in the Gaza Strip, where youth unemployment in 2016 reached 58% according to the World Bank, many women are happy to take the job, despite the criticism they would face for working at a gas station.
The gas station's announcement on websites and social media platforms sparked criticism, reflecting the belief of the patriarchal Gaza society that women are more suited for office jobs, teaching or the medical profession, rather than male-dominated fields.
One of the owners of the gas station, Ahmad al-Helou, told Al-Monitor that he faced criticism from people who believe employing women in this field is a form of exploitation. Rejecting any kind of exploitation, Helou explained that by offering jobs to women, stereotypes on women’s labor can be changed, particularly given the economic difficulties and low employment rates.
