In north-east Syria, women are breaking the stereotypes imposed on them by cultural norms and are gaining an increasingly prominent role in society. The story of Asmaa, who has opened her own tailoring shops for women and children.

THE STORY OF ASTHMAA

When Asmaa opened her tailor's shop, she knew the adventure would not end there. In just one year, his life has turned upside down and he almost struggles to keep track of all the turns he has taken in recent months. She shows us the sign outside her shop that reads 'Sartoria Nur. For women and children'.

"The business management training I received from Un Ponte Per allowed me to plan my business idea in detail. UPP also provided me with a grant that I used to buy tools, such as sewing machines, and to rent the premises'.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Asmaa is 36 years old, a widow and mother of 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. Her husband and eldest daughter Nur were killed 6 years ago during the furious battle of Raqqa. Since her husband's death, Asmaa's main concern has been to take care of her family. She needed to find a source of income, especially since she wanted her children to continue their studies.

"I had some knowledge of tailoring, so I started doing home repairs for my neighbours and relatives. Despite this, the income was not enough. I depended on the financial help of my brothers'. Like all the inhabitants of Raqqa, Asmaa has experienced some of the heaviest fighting and shelling in the history of the Syrian conflict.

DURING DAESH

During the period under Daesh (ISIS) control between 2013 and the end of 2017, women like Asmaa suffered severe restrictions that limited their freedom of movement, access to health services and education. "The regulations imposed used to control our lives a lot," she tells us. "Now the situation has changed a lot." After the end of Daesh control, Syrian women are emerging as protagonists in society, facing the economic crisis and the challenges of gender inequality.

FROM SEAMSTRESS TO ENTREPRENEUR

Asmaa employed a trainer to teach girls in the neighbourhood the art of tailoring. With the money she earned, she opened a second shop in the centre of Raqqa, which serves as a shop window for her clothing line. Thanks to this economic independence, Asmaa can now take care of her family without having to ask her siblings for help. 'I am a completely new person,' she says proudly.

"I wanted my sons and daughters to continue to study, and to have a better life than I did."

Abdullah, Livelihood Officer of Un Ponte Per a Raqqa, supported Asmaa in developing the business plan, calculating investments and assessing the feasibility of the project. In a labour market still patriarchal and burdened by conflict and economic crisis, supporting women to become active agents of change is crucial.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Join our 'Free to Break' campaign. We need your help to break down the walls of stereotypes and oppression that discriminate against girls and women in North East Syria.

Guarantee women equal access to social and economic life by providing them with training and access to income.