Locations
Ismahan repairs a customer’s mixer in her workshop, providing reliable home appliance maintenance services to the community in Al-Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate
In the small Yemeni village of Al-Sunnah, in Al-Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate, Ismahan decided to follow a career path lesser chosen by women in her community – home appliance maintenance.
Ismahan lives in her family’s house and supports her mother and her three children, Suleiman, Wahib, and Fouad. Life was not always easy, but she always believed she could create a better future for herself and her family.
Choosing a different path
When Ismahan first started working in home appliance maintenance, community members often voiced that they didn’t believe a woman could repair refrigerators, washing machines, and other home appliances.
“At first, people looked at me with surprise. Some even laughed or said I wouldn’t succeed,” shares Ismahan. “But I did not listen. I worked hard, and over time, people accepted and even encouraged me.”
Ismahan completed her education to the high school diploma level, however she never gave up on learning. When she heard about the ERRY III Joint Programme apprenticeship program, funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden, she saw it as a second chance. She quickly signed up and was accepted. For three months, she attended training, learning the skills and receiving the toolkits she needed to start her small business.
Every morning, Ismahan heads to her workshop in Al-Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate, where she applies her expertise in home appliance repair. Through her work, she provides a much-needed service to her community while securing a livelihood for her family.
Starting a business of her own
After completing training, Ismahan was determined to turn her skills into a real job. She opened her own workshop and named it ‘Al-Sulaimani for Home Appliance Maintenance.’
However, the journey was not easy.
“I struggled to find a suitable place for my workshop,” explains Ismahan. “But I kept searching until I found the right spot. Even when I faced difficulties, I refused to give up.”
At first, people hesitated to trust her. They had never seen a female technician before. But as time passed, she proved her skills.
“Women working in this field actually have an advantage,” says Ismahan. “Many female customers prefer calling me. This helped me gain customers and earn their trust.”
Ismahan repairs one of her customer's stoves, demonstrating her expertise in home appliance maintenance in Al-Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate.
Dreams of business expansion
Before establishing her business, Ismahan felt uncertain about her future. Today, she feels proud and happy. She no longer worries about how to support her children—she has built her own source of income.
“I feel proud because I can take care of my children on my own,” says Ismahan.
But Ismahan doesn’t want to stop here. Her dream is to expand her workshop and buy better tools to improve her work. She hopes to inspire other women in her community to follow their dreams.
“Women make up half of society, and we are just as capable as men,” says Ismahan. “I hope to get more support to grow my business and make it a long-term source of income for my family.”
Ismahan also hopes to pass on her skills to others in the community.
“I am grateful for the support that helped me get here. One day, I hope to open a bigger workshop, fully equipped with all the tools I need. I also hope to train other women who want to work in this field.”
A regular customer visits Ismahan’s workshop with a broken mixer, trusting her expertise to diagnose and repair it - Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate.
A message to women everywhere
On this International Women’s Day, Ismahan’s story is a powerful message to all women: "With courage and determination, you can achieve anything."
Ismahan’s journey is part of the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation Joint Programme in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY JP III), a three-year joint programme funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labor Organization, and World Food Programme, along with their partners, the programme helps crisis-affected communities build resilience by creating sustainable livelihoods and improving access to basic services.
