“I no longer feel like a victim, I feel like a survivor.”
Salma,15, Mosul
Project Partners: Better World Organization for Community Development (BWOCD) & UNICEF
Stitching Hope: A Woman’s Journey from Conflict to Entrepreneurship
From Darkness to Determination
When war reached Mosul, Salma’s world collapsed overnight. As violence spread, she fled with her 15-year-old son, who has a disability, leaving behind everything she owned.
From Literacy to Entrepreneurship
Nada, a 22-year-old from Sinjar, first attended a literacy course, learning to read and write. She then joined the embroidery course, where she gained both a craft and a profession. Motivated to take her skills further, Nada enrolled in an online marketing course, learning how to promote her work and launch her own project.
“I didn’t know where my husband was,” Salma recalled. “Later I learned he had joined ISIS. The pain of that discovery was indescribable. I felt ashamed, lost, and completely alone.”
Amid the chaos, Salma struggled to care for her son, secure medicine, and simply survive each day.
In Duhok and Mosul, BWOCD, with support from UNICEF, launched programs to help women like Salma rebuild their lives through psychosocial support, case management, and skills training, restoring dignity, confidence, and hope.
Rediscovering Strength and Hope
Salma’s transformation began when she attended one of BWOCD’s outreach sessions and learned about their programs.
“At first, I was hesitant,” she said. “But something told me to take one small step forward.”
She joined a 28-day Community Care Discussion series, where she learned about emotional well-being, communication, and women’s rights. The safe, supportive space allowed her to open up and heal.
One facilitator reflected:
“When Salma first joined, she was quiet and withdrawn. But soon, she began smiling, participating, and inspiring others. Watching her transformation was truly moving.”
A New Chapter: From Learner to Entrepreneur
Building on her progress, Salma enrolled in a 12-day sewing training organized by BWOCD.
“For the first time in years, I felt excited to wake up in the morning,” she shared. “I was learning, creating, and dreaming again.”
Upon completing the training, Salma received a sewing machine and materials to start her own small business. Stitch by stitch, she began rebuilding her life, earning an income, supporting her son, and regaining her sense of purpose.
“The training changed my life. I can now provide for my family and feel proud of what I can do.”
A Message of Gratitude
“I will never forget the kindness of the BWOCD staff. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Their support gave me back my strength and hope for the future.”
Empowering Women, Rebuilding Lives
Through the steadfast partnership between BWOCD and UNICEF, women like Salma are reclaiming their voices, restoring their livelihoods, and inspiring others to rise from the shadows of conflict. Together, they are stitching hope, one life at a time.