DELAL REMEZAN

Hasakah- The Syrian Free Women’s Foundation provides vocational training courses to women across North and East Syria in order to promote women’s economic empowerment. The foundation, founded in September 2014 with the motto, “The free woman is the basis of a free society”, aims to empower women in all facets of life.

 Speaking about how women’s economic empowerment is important, Ahlam Ismail, a member of the foundation in Hasakah, spoke to NuJINHA about their activities. “The foundation aims to empower women in all facets of life. We provide vocational training courses to women so that they achieve their economic independence. Women take both theoretical and practical training courses. When women take exams after the courses and if they pass these exams, they receive certificates.”

 The foundation aims to reach all women

 The Syrian Free Women’s Foundation aims to reach all women in North and East Syria. “We reach women through the assemblies and communes. The assemblies and communes give information to women about the courses. We also hold meetings to give information to women about our courses. At the meetings, we talk about how education and training can empower them. As the branch of the foundation in Hasakah Canton, we make great efforts to reach women who want to join the labor force.”

 The foundation also aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women by providing courses. “The living spaces of women are restricted by some social customs and traditions. We aim to raise awareness in our society. Women should attend the courses organized by the foundation. We believe that there is nothing impossible,” Ahlam Ismail said.

It also provides first aid courses

The Syrian Free Women’s Foundation also provides first aid courses to women. Nahgin Qasim, one of the instructors of the first aid courses, teaches women how to draw blood, measure blood pressure, take a temperature and many more. “We feel happy because women attending the courses learn very fast and more women want to attend these courses,” Nahgin Qasim told NuJINHA.

 20-year-old Avin Khaled is one of the women attending the first aid courses organized by the foundation. “I began to attend the first aid course organized by the Syrian Free Women’s Foundation three days ago. We have learned many things about how we can help people during many emergency situations. I want to help my family, neighbors and people around me when they need first aid,” she told us.

Saba Hassan is a teacher in Hasakah and she also attends the first aid course held by the foundation. “I attend this course to learn how to help people when they need first aid. I want to learn because I have children and want to help them during an emergency situation. Until now, I have learned many things about what I should do during an emergency situation.”