ZEYNEP XELIF

Dêrazor (Deir ez-Zor)- Hadiya Al-Ahmad makes tea baskets in the city of Deir ez-Zor, northeastern Syria, to earn a living. Her story shows how a woman can be successful and creative despite the difficult living conditions.

 “I am proud of myself for being able to showcase my talents and create my own economy,” said Hadiya Al-Ahmad, who has been making tea baskets for seven years. “I started making tea baskets when I saw a group of women making tea baskets. I watched them and learned how to make tea baskets. Then, I went shopping to buy materials such as plastic baskets, fabrics and yarn, used for making tea baskets.”

‘I decided to start a market stall’

At the beginning, Hadiya Al-Ahmad made tea baskets at home with her daughter. “We exchanged ideas to make creative tea baskets. In a short time, we were able to make five or seven tea baskets every day. Then, I decided to start a market stall with the women in my neighborhood. Now, we make and sell tea baskets together.”

Thanks to the collective efforts, women have managed to build a strong social relationship with each other. “Now, we have a space to exchange ideas. Over time, I started thinking about expanding my business, especially after realizing that the demand for the tea baskets was on rise. I started organizing workshops and training courses to make more creative tea baskets.”

‘Follow your dreams’

Hadiya Al-Ahmad called on all women to “follow your dreams. Do not allow traditions and customs to prevent you from following your dreams. If women are determined and have a strong will, they have the capacity to be successful. My story is not only a success story of a woman but also a story of women's creativity and resistance against all challenges. As women, we have the capacity to build a better future for our families and ourselves. Teamwork and cooperation can allow us to realize our dreams and improve our society.”