HADEEL Al-OMAR

Idlib- Women living in internally displaced people (IDPs) camps in Idlib suffer from difficult living conditions. However, widows and divorced women suffer double burden, working to earn a living, doing households and taking care of children. 32-year-old Raeda Al-Khaled is one of these women living in the Atma refugee camp in Idlib. She has become the only breadwinner of her family since her husband died from Covid-19.

‘I leave my children with my relatives before going to work’

Raeda Al-Khaled, mother of three, works as an agricultural worker to earn a living for herself and her children. “I am the only breadwinner of my family. I leave my children with my relatives before going to work. After working for hours, I go back to our tent, do household chores and take care of my children. Although I make great efforts, I do not have time to spend time with my children.”

‘Many women have to quit their jobs for their children’

Due to the deteriorating economic situation in Syria, Raeda Al-Khaled has to work for hours every day, even at the weekend.

‘I know I do not spend enough time with my children but I have to work to meet their needs. The prices of products increase every day while I receive a low salary. Due to high prices, I can only buy bread and vegetables. I looked for a suitable job to spend time with my children; however, I could not find. My oldest son will start going to school next year and he will need care. Many women have to quit their jobs for their children but I have to work.”

‘I am looking for a job’

28-year-old Fatima Al-Adoul divorced her husband because she had been subjected to violence by him. She was granted alimony but not sufficient to meet her two children’s needs. “The amount of alimony is sufficient to buy only milk and diapers for my two children. After the divorce, I rented a house and now I am looking for a job.”

‘Widows and divorced women should be supported’

“Women, who bear the burden of their families, endure many difficulties. The widows and divorced women face social pressure when they work to earn a living,” said Suad Al-Sabeeh, a social worker. “Widows and divorced women suffer from double burden in the camps. They should be supported.”