SÎBÎLYA EL ÎBRAHÎM

Raqqa- The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions launched their occupying attacks on Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ayn) and Girê Spî (Tell Abyad) on October 9, 2019, displacing thousands of people to Raqqa. The ongoing Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Syrian government on Raqqa have been deteriorating the difficult living conditions of displaced people. The people have built their own communal economy within the system based on democracy to overcome the crisis. Many women try to create job opportunities for themselves as some start small businesses. Siham Zeydan Abdi (21), a displaced woman of Girê Spî taking shelter in Raqqa, is one of these women.

‘We left our homeland without taking anything’

At the beginning of her speech, Siham Zeydan Abdi emphasized the importance of women being self-reliant and implementing their own projects to achieve economic independence. When the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions occupied Girê Spî, she left her homeland with her spouse and five children to Raqqa. “We had a stable and good life in Girê Spî; however, we had to leave our homeland without taking anything due to the occupation. Many people had to leave their homeland. I came to Raqqa with my spouse and five children. We live in a rented house. We live here in the hope of returning to our homeland one day.”

She works multiple jobs

In Raqqa, Siham Zeydan Abdi opened a small store to earn a living for her family. “I decided to invest in a small project to sell products to residents and friends at reasonable prices. We bring many products such as creams, cosmetics, clothes for children and women from Iraq.” Siham Zeydan Abdi also works as a caregiver in a kindergarten to support her family. “I have to work multiple jobs to earn a living for my family and cover the education expenses of my children.

“Every day, I wake up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for my children. After breakfast, we go to the kindergarten. I work as a caregiver in the kindergarten. Then, I go to my store. I return home at around five and begin to make something for dinner and clean the house. Then, I work until late for women who want to buy something from my small store.”

Call on women

Siham Zeydan Abdi dreams of expanding her business. “Small projects turn into big projects in time,” she told us. “I call on all women to believe in themselves because when women believe in themselves, they become stronger and inspire everyone around them.”