“Painting became more than just art, it became my voice.”
Sahira Saeed, 19, Sinjar
Project Partners: Better World Organization for Community Development (BWOCD) & International Organization for Migration (IOM)
A Dream Born in Color
From her earliest memories, Sahira Saeed, a 19-year-old from Dokri village in Sinjar, was captivated by art. She spent hours watching local painters, inspired by how they transformed blank canvases into vibrant stories of life and emotion.
But when conflict forced her family to flee to Duhok, displacement dimmed her dream. Living in a camp, without space or materials, she felt her purpose slipping away.
Rediscovering Hope Through Art
Sahira’s turning point came when she met the Better World Organization for Community Development (BWOCD). Recognizing her talent, the team encouraged her to paint again, providing brushes, colors, and most importantly, renewed confidence.
“The staff saw something in me that I had stopped seeing in myself,” Sahira shared. “Their support reignited my passion.”
With her family’s encouragement, Sahira poured her emotions onto the canvas, transforming pain into beauty and rebuilding her sense of purpose.
Turning Passion into Purpose
Her dedication led to a milestone: an invitation to exhibit her work at a BWOCD event. Seeing her paintings on display, admired by visitors from inside and outside the camp, filled her with pride and confidence.
“That day, I felt seen,” she said. “My story, my pain, and my dreams mattered.”
The exhibition marked her evolution from a young displaced woman to a recognized emerging artist, a symbol of resilience and hope.
A Future Painted with Possibility
Today, Sahira continues to paint with passion and purpose. She dreams of hosting larger exhibitions and joining Iraq’s broader art community.
“Every piece I create carries a part of my journey, a reflection of hope and resilience.”
Empowering Women Through Opportunity
Sahira’s story is one of many made possible through the partnership between IOM and BWOCD. Together, they empower women affected by conflict to rebuild their confidence, nurture their talents, and transform dreams into reality.
Through their ongoing support, young women like Sahira are not only rediscovering hope, they are creating it, one brushstroke at a time.