June 8, 2021

“Certain financial circumstances have led me to pursue jobs that were more on the masculine side. My husband was a worker, but he was left without a job during the war. Nobody wanted to build houses or buildings during those unfavored conditions. This prompt me to start working in order to get by and feed my family. I started selling basic items on my child’s trolley and I would roam the streets to sell them. I would hold my child with one hand and would push the trolley with the other. Things started getting better, so I bought a piggy bank to collect money and buy a pair of earrings for my only daughter. Later on, I decided to purchase a 3 wheeled motorcycle, because my customers were requesting more items and I could not fit them on my trolley. I did not have the required amount of money, so I had to use the money I had saved up for my daughter and it still was not enough. We borrowed the remaining amount of money and bought it; I learned how to drive it in just a couple of days. Afterwards, my husband received work as well”.

“I started working on the three wheeled motorcycle constantly and wandered everywhere in Al-Hasakah to provide and earn a living for my family. My husband was a great support for what I was doing but not all of our relatives and neighbors were exactly on the same page. Some of them were very opinionated and disagreed with what I did and told me that women were not meant for certain jobs, while others rooted for me and were very supportive. It has been 10 years since I have started providing for my family. I am so proud of myself and my will power.
I sell blocks of ice during the Summer and fruits and vegetables and children’s necessities throughout Winter. Anytime my motorcycle breaks down, I fix it myself. I do not want my children to be slaves of tradition and norms. I was able to enhance my family’s financial status. There is absolutely no humiliation or shame in what I do. If it was not for this job, who would have reached out and lent me a helping hand? My determination to work has given me the strength I have now”.