EBİR MUHAMED

 Dêrik – Women living in IDPs camps in North and East Syria struggle to survive despite the deteriorating living conditions in the camps. Due to insufficient support by humanitarian organizations, many women look for a way to earn a living.

 Kîfae Al-Sihem is a displaced woman living in Newroz camp, built in the countryside of Derik, northeastern Syria, has turned her tent into a tailor shop after attending sewing course.

Being displaced from Til Temir, she has been living in the camp with her seven children for three years. She and a group of displaced women decided to turn her tent into a tailor shop after attending a sewing course in order to earn a living. “I have been learning how to sew for a year. I decided to attend a free sewing course. Now, I sew clothes for both children and adults.”

‘I can't afford to buy a new sewing machine’

Kîfae Al-Sihem uses a non-electric sewing machine. “Using a non-electric sewing machine is difficult but I can’t afford to buy a new sewing machine. I also face difficulties in finding raw materials for sewing,” said Kîfae Al-Sihem, who is proud of herself for being able to learn how to sew.

“As displaced women, we face many challenges due to the deteriorating living conditions. We are happy to be able to earn a living for our families. I want to buy a new sewing machine soon.”