October 6, 2021
Stories
Salwa is 43 year-old, has been a resident of Heet Center for almost two decades. She was born in Fallujah, married in Heet, and has lived there ever since with her family. Her family consists of her husband, son, and two daughters. She spent her entire life as a housewife, primarily in handicrafts.
A WOMAN FULFILLING HER DREAM OF SUPPORTING HER FAMILY
“As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, my husband lost his job, and I had to help pay off his debts,” Salwa explains. “In addition, I wanted to learn a skill for employment because I enjoy working and want to pursue a career. When I learned that Caritas Czech Republic was aiding people in Iraq, I hastened to register in the hopes of getting a job."
She was chosen to participate in CFW Life Skills Training for a month in Heet District. In Iraq, the UNDP-funded and Caritas Czech Republic-implemented project is assisting thousands of people with community projects, life skills training through Cash for Work, and job placement.
“I did not complete my mandatory education, which has hampered my capacity to seek and find work outside of the home,” says Salwa. “My husband worked, and we had enough to meet our needs, and we were not displaced to any city except for three months during the height of the ISIS crisis. When we returned, my husband went back to work, but owing to the Covid-19 outbreak and the disruption to our daily lives, he lost his business and now works as a day wage laborer. I want to assist him so that we can raise our children and contribute as a family.”
HOW LIFE SKILLS TRAINING ASSISTED SALWA
“The training ideas helped me adjust my perspective about working outside the home. Finally, I've found drive and inspiration, and I'm desperate to get back to work.”
When asked about the project's impact on her, she says, "I was a shy woman.I've learnt life skills that will help me develop and improve myself. And I was determined that I could work outside the home.”
According to Salwa, her first struggle and achievement was to find herself working in a job that was outside of the house. "This opportunity helped me become a more courageous lady," she noted.
“My message to every woman is to never give up, to study and to rely on yourself; employment is not a stigma for women; in fact, you can support your spouse as well.”
