LocationsFatima Abdulbassit Jassim, a resilient woman from Abadi, Anbar, had endured economic and social instability. Faced with displacement and financial insecurity, she sought opportunities that could transform her circumstances. Through the support of a UNDP-backed livelihood program, Fatima accessed training in business development and received financial aid to start her own venture.
In the heart of Iraq, where economic recovery and social reintegration are vital for stability, three remarkable women—Mai, Fatima, and Jia—are reshaping their futures through entrepreneurship.
From Struggle to Strength: Mai’s Journey in Anbar
Mai Hamid Bandar, a 20-year-old from Anbar’s Karabla sub-district, faced economic hardships that made daily survival a challenge. With limited resources, covering education expenses and basic needs seemed impossible. However, through a livelihood and mental health project, Mai received business training and financial support that enabled her to open a beauty salon.
More than just a business, the salon became a space of empowerment—offering her financial independence, a boost in self-confidence, and an avenue to connect with her community. The skills she developed in leadership and financial planning allowed her to envision a larger dream: expanding her salon to create job opportunities for other women.
Designing a Future: Jia’s Entrepreneurial Spirit in Kirkuk
Jia Salah Sadruddin, a 34-year-old law graduate from Kirkuk, had always harbored a passion for fashion design and embroidery. Despite lacking the resources to launch her own business, she pursued various training programs in design and sewing. When she joined a UNDP-supported initiative, Jia received essential entrepreneurship training and financial assistance, enabling her to turn her vision into reality.
With determination, Jia built her own fashion brand, catering to the diverse communities of Kirkuk. Her multilingual skills—speaking Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, and English—became a bridge to a broader customer base. Through digital marketing, she expanded her reach, selling custom designs online while maintaining affordable prices for local buyers. Today, Jia’s growing business not only sustains her family but also sets the foundation for her ultimate goal: establishing a small factory for local clothing production.
Rebuilding Dreams: Fatima’s Determination in Abadi
With unwavering determination, she built a sustainable business, leveraging her newly acquired skills in business management. The initiative not only empowered her financially but also fostered a renewed sense of self-worth. Today, Fatima’s business thrives, allowing her to support her family while serving as a role model for other women striving to regain control of their lives.
A Ripple Effect of Change
The success of Mai, Jia, and Fatima is a testament to the power of resilience and opportunity. Through UNDP-supported programs, funded by SIDA and implemented by the Human Relief Foundation (HRF), these women transformed their struggles into thriving businesses, proving that economic independence fuels broader community development. Their stories inspire countless others, demonstrating that with the right support, empowerment is not just a possibility—it is a reality shaping Iraq’s future.