RONEIDA HAJI

Al-Hasakah — Women face numerous challenges in their daily lives, foremost among them social and economic crises, unequal opportunities in the labor market, marginalization, along with pressures and violence in various forms.

In light of these challenges, the need has emerged for institutions capable of providing support, protection, and opening new paths for women in Rojava to strengthen their presence and independence. In this context, a Social and Development Center for Women was opened in Al-Hasakah on August 22, as a dedicated space offering services and programs aimed at responding to women's social, economic, psychological, and legal needs, and addressing some of the challenges that hinder their active participation in society.

The center is managed by an administrative body of seven members, including the Chairperson and her deputy, the treasurer, the secretary, and three members. The center offers a range of services for women, including legal consultations, psychological support and guidance, in addition to family reconciliation services.

Confronting Social Pressures

Center member Nora Omar explains that its establishment came in response to a range of social and economic problems facing women, affirming that providing specialized support for them is a fundamental step toward strengthening their ability to cope with difficult circumstances.

She believes that economic independence is one of the most important keys to women's empowerment, as having a source of income and independent economic capacity gives them greater space to make decisions, defend their rights, and confront pressures, while also enhancing their ability to participate more effectively in social, economic, and political spheres.

She noted that the center's establishment comes amid rapid social and economic transformations, accompanied by escalating pressures on families, particularly women, necessitating the expansion of services directed at them.

Digital Training

Nora Omar noted that the center's activities are not limited to providing social and psychological services; it also places special importance on developing women's skills and building their capacities, as one of the pathways that can contribute to strengthening their economic independence.

In this framework, the center announced the organization of a specialized training course in Microsoft Office basic programs, aimed at equipping participants with digital skills to help them in their professional lives and expand their opportunities in the labor market.

Support for Survivors of Violence

Supporting women who have experienced violence occupies a central position in the center's priorities. Nora Omar explains that work in this area is not limited to providing immediate assistance but aims to provide a supportive environment that helps women restore their balance and return to living their lives normally.

Meetings and sessions for psychological and social support are planned, along with services in health, law, protection, and women's rights.

Nora Omar affirms that the aim of these services is to help survivors of violence overcome its effects and restore their ability to integrate and participate in social life, by providing the support they need according to each case's circumstances.

Economic Independence: A Necessity, Not an Option

Nora Omar emphasizes that women's economic empowerment is no longer a secondary matter but has become an essential necessity to ensure their ability to confront pressures and strengthen their presence in society.

She says that a woman with economic independence becomes more able to express her opinion, confront the circumstances and changes around her, and expand her participation in various areas of life.

In this framework, the center intends to launch training programs, provide income-generating opportunities and activities, in addition to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to building a more stable economic base for women.

The goal of these programs is not limited to improving women's living conditions but extends to strengthening their presence in the public sphere, raising their level of social, economic, and political participation, and providing greater space for them in decision-making processes.

Expanding Services

As part of its future plans, the center seeks to expand its work and services to reach women in different areas by opening affiliated offices in a number of cities, enabling services to be provided more closely and responsively to local needs.

The center is also working to build bridges of cooperation with civil society organizations, government institutions, and the private sector, with the aim of unifying efforts and developing more effective mechanisms for providing the services women need.

Nora Omar affirms that the center's fundamental vision is to reach the largest possible number of women, raise their level of awareness, and strengthen their ability to face social and economic obstacles, paving a wider path toward independence, empowerment, and active participation in society.