Many women in Jordan, including refugees, face protection issues, gender-based violence, and a lack of access to services. There is also a shortage of work opportunities for women, so many cannot support themselves and their children. In Irbid governorate, Islamic Relief are running a project which is providing women with counselling, financial grants and vocational training so they can become self-reliant.
Muyassar plans to turn professional
Mother-of-4 Muyassar fled her home amid the crisis in Syria, and now lives in Irbid, Jordan. Her husband has been missing since the height of the crisis, leaving her the sole breadwinner for her family.
“We owned a big house in Syria and we were living a comfortable life,” says Muyassar, describing how her situation affected her mental health. “I was shocked when I first came to the camp, especially as I had never left Syria. I couldn’t cope with the circumstances of being a refugee.”
Then Muyassar began started to look for ways to improve her circumstances, and came across Islamic Relief’s project.
“I benefited a lot from this project. I began receiving counselling, which made me feel comfortable.
“After I had completed these sessions, I received culinary training. I was so happy that the training sessions were held at a specialised academy where I learned a lot of new things about the productive kitchen. There is always something new to learn here!”
Muyassar – who has since moved out of Zaatari refugee camp – and the other women taking part in the project, will receive a small grant enabling them to set up small businesses.
“When I receive the grant, I hope to buy new equipment to develop my own kitchen and become a professional cook.”
Hanan is closer than ever to achieving her ambition
Hanan lives with her husband and 3 children in Irbid. Her husband’s poor health leaves him unable to work so Hanan must provide for the family alone.
After struggling to find work, Hanan joined Islamic Relief’s project and began receiving counselling and training.
“I am so glad that I was accepted in this project and I have benefited a lot from the counselling and training in financial management and sewing,” says Hanan.
“I have benefited from several projects in the past, but Islamic Relief’s project was the most beneficial to me. They provided me with comprehensive and intense training sessions which has given me ample knowledge in the field of sewing.
“I’m grateful to be part of this project that’s helping me to provide for my family. I was always afraid at the idea of working outside the home because it would mean leaving my children. But now, I can take care of them and manage my work from home at the same time.
“After I complete all the training sessions and receive a financial grant, my goal is to have my own home-based tailor shop. My goal is to move on from doing the basics in sewing to an advanced level. I hope to be able to start tailoring clothes and pieces in a modern design such as women and kids’ clothes, cushions, runners, and bedding. After that, my greatest ambition is to open a huge tailoring store.”
Restoring hope
Islamic Relief has restored hope for many women like Muyassar and Hanan, who are rebuilding their lives in Jordan.
“I would like to thank Islamic Relief from the bottom of my heart for their kindness, humanity, respect, and trust. There are many others who could greatly benefit from projects such as these, especially women,” says Muyassar.
“The project is helping to empower women and I hope similar projects reach women in need across the world,” adds Hanan.
Please donate now to allow us to continue our vital work in Jordan and beyond, and to offer a lifeline to those at breaking point.
