ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida- Women in Syria live under difficult conditions due to the ongoing war, political and economic crises. 80-year-old Şahira Ghanem is one of them; she lives alone and makes ends meet with a retiring pension after her husband's death.

Her eldest son died five years ago. For a week, the only person who visited her was her grandson with intellectual disability.

“I am an old woman suffering from back pain. I need treatment for my pain; however, I have to do housework and meet my other needs alone. Recently, I have been suffering from forgetfulness.”

‘I have to care of my son living with paralysis alone’

Wafaa Ghanem suffers from health diseases and pain in her leg. She can walk with a cane. She also has to care for her son living with paralysis alone although she is over 50. “I lost my husband five years ago. I face financial problems. I demanded financial support from the organizations that support individuals with disabilities; however, I did not receive any support. I cannot buy medicines for myself and my son because of their high prices.”

“All I demand is a humane life’

İkbal Amer works for a shop selling dairy products. She is one of the women, who barely makes ends meet. Since her son died, she has taken care of her grandchildren alone. She participated in the peaceful protests that erupted in Sweida over the high inflation rate and deteriorating economic situation in Syria on August 17, 2023.

She said, “I work for a shop selling dairy products. My salary is insufficient to meet the needs of my grandchildren. Women should unite to take their rights. All I demand is a humane life.”