“My journey was not easy, but with my family by my side and the support of UNDP made it easier for me,” said Tarfa, 38 years old, mother of seven from Al Mayadin in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria. She is one of the women who received training as part of the empowerment and livelihoods project to support her family. 

Tarfa heard through her neighbours about a project that aims to empower women and help them earn a living in different professions including baking, beekeeping, leather tanning, compost, and medicinal herbs, among others.

“The project was a turning point in my life. I could not imagine being one of the trainees. I applied and waited anxiously to hear back from them, hoping I would be accepted,” Tarfa said. “I chose baking because I felt it suited me. I had a passion for it, in addition my modest knowledge and experience,” she added.

Tarfa successfully obtained the necessary skills and training required for pastry, bread, and sweets making. Additionally, she underwent training in marketing, basic accounting, and calculating profit and loss. After completing her training, Tarfa received a grant that enabled her to buy the necessary equipment to start her home-based business selling pastry and bread.

“I started by going to schools, health centres, and markets to distribute flyers advertising my business,” Tarfa explained. In no time, Tarfa became one of the most renowned women selling baked goods in town. She even trained two other women and provided them with opportunities to work, mainly when she received large orders.