NEXEM ÇAÇAN

Qamishlo – The presence of women in the streets and markets of Northern and Eastern Syria is not just a visual; it has become a defining element reflecting a major social and economic transformation. Amid the hustle of daily shopping, women maintain their place with significant contributions that bring vitality to the market.

Despite social and economic challenges, many women run shops in these markets or participate in product sales, successfully carving out a space for themselves. This adds a new dimension to the role of women in promoting economic activities and increasing their independence.

Women hold an important place in the market

From the town of Amûdê in the Cizîr Canton of Northern and Eastern Syria, women told our agency in their assessment that they hold an important place in the market.

While describing the process of opening her shop, Ala Ehmed stated that her biggest supporter was her family and said, "I love working life very much, so for a year and eight months in Amûdê, I opened a men’s and women’s clothing store. When I saw that women’s clothing attracted more interest, I changed my shop and sold only women’s clothing. Many women come to me saying that they are very pleased with us and want clothes, and I give them clothes. When I started opening my shop, I had a very hard time because I was the only woman in Fatrora Market. But I tried to succeed."

"Women need to work hard to achieve their goals"

Ala Ehmed stated that she wanted to offer many products in her store but could not find the opportunity due to the small size of shops, saying, "My goal in opening this shop was to create something new. I want to offer both men’s and women’s shoes, but my shop is small. There is a shortage of real estate in Amude, Fatrora Market is very crowded and there is business, but the shop building system is small and old. I want to open a very large clothing store, but there is no opportunity. I support every woman who has her own project. Women need to work, not waste their free time, and strive to achieve their goals."

'I developed gradually'

Bêrîvan Elî stated that she has had her shop for 3 years, saying, "At first, I was a teacher, but I left teaching because my health deteriorated. Then I started sewing and used a room in my house as a shop to sell there. If you do honest work, you will improve. When I first opened my shop, I struggled a lot because I did not know the names of many things and did not know anyone who would buy from them. At first, I brought goods for my shop from Qamishlo and Amude; now I bring them from Iraq. I took steps to develop myself and expand my shop, and now I have two shops and storage spaces."

'Women come to me and are very happy'

At the end of her talk, Bêrîvan Elî stated that she is trying to further develop her business and concluded her words as follows: "I want to open a large shopping center in Amûdê, especially selling women’s products. I sell many products in my shop. When schools open, I also sell school supplies. Women can work, take care of their homes and children, and manage them. The women who come to my shop are very pleased with me. We chat, I become friends with them, and I listen to their sorrows. I want every working woman to continue. Because women prove themselves in every way and succeed in the work they do."