YUSRA EL-EHMED

Raqqa- Despite the social pressures faced by them in many facets of life, women keep raising awareness and changing social norms by making decisions about their lives. 35-year-old Kafaa Al-Khazim, who lives in Raqqa city of North and East Syria, is one of these women.

‘I want to smash the borders drawn for women’

After her father's death, Kafaa Al-Khazim worked as a kindergarten teacher for three years. Then, she became a kindergarten principal after graduating from the Faculty of Education. Three years ago, she put her project called, “Rawdat Alwan” into practice. Pointing out that women mostly participate in the labor force by working as teachers and nurses, she said:

“Women face many challenges in their workplaces. I decided to develop projects for women to smash the borders drawn for women by social norms and patriarchal mentality. Opening a kindergarten and running it alone was not easy. But I was determined to smash the borders and make this project succeed.”

It is also for children with special needs

The difference between her kindergarten and other kindergartens in the city is that her kindergarten is also for children with special needs. “Many parents bring their children to my kindergarten because it is also for children with special needs. I feel proud to be able to support many women,” she told us.

 Kafaa Al-Khazim

“Women can develop projects by taking responsibility with their own strong will,” said Kafaa Al-Khazim, who decided to put another project called, “Contractors Licensing Center” practice after the success of her kindergarten project. Speaking about this project, she said:

“Many contractors are male. I developed this project to change this by challenging the mentality that thinks women cannot be contractors.  I want to prove once again that women can do what they want.”

‘We don't give up until we reach our goal’

In the interview with NuJINHA, Kafaa Al-Khazim mentioned the financial difficulties faced by her to put her projects into practice. Despite all the difficulties, I did not give up. As women, we become stronger despite facing difficulties. We don’t give up until we reach our goal. All women should use their will as a weapon to reach their goals and make efforts to ensure social equality.”