NUR AL-MARSOUMİ

Mosul-After the dark era of ISIS ended in Mosul; the doors of a brighter future were opened for women. The women of Mosul, who lost their jobs and livelihoods after ISIS attacked their city, have been participating in the labor force again.

Mahiya Yusuf is one of the women. She has provided employment to many women by opening a restaurant named, “Taste of Mosul” in Mosul. “After ISIS seized Mosul, many women lost their jobs. After the liberation of the city, I opened this restaurant to provide employment to women. Now, more than 30 women work at the restaurant,” Mahiya Yusuf told NuJINHA.

‘It becomes a unique experience’

Mahiya Yusuf received support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide employment to more women. “The entire team of the restaurant consists of women only. We offer different traditional foods to our customers. An all-women restaurant becomes a unique experience in the region.” Women from different nationalities, such as Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen women, work at the restaurant. “This proves that people from different nationalities can live together and have a peaceful life.”

Mahiya Yusuf called on all women to be strong, “women can overcome the storms of life. We faced many obstacles and challenges but we did give up and overcame them. Women should be determined to realize their dreams.”