ZEYNEB XILEF

Deir ez-Zor- Women in Deir ez-Zor, the largest city in eastern Syria, are determined to play their roles in economy and society despite the challenges imposed on them by the patriarchal mindset. In the city, many women have started their own small-scale business in order to support their family and fight gender stereotypes.

 Hinsa Avad, one of these women, began to bake bread and pastries at home and then expanded her business.

“I wanted to support my family by baking pastries,” said Hinsa Avad, who has become the only breadwinner of her family by expanding her business despite the war and social pressure.

Hinsa told us that her husband also supported her at the bakery. “I first sold pastries to the people around me and then at local markets. Now, I want to open a bakery to provide employment to other women,” she said, calling on all women to “believe in yourselves and follow your dreams despite social pressure.”

‘I feel confident without caring what other people say’

Nadia Ahmed Al-Ferih decided to turn one of the rooms of her house into a grocery store after becoming the only breadwinner of her family due to her husband’s illness. She also takes care of the orphans of her relatives.

“I opened this store to support my family and my relatives because we must support each other to overcome all the challenges together,” said Nadia, who is criticized in society for working. “I feel confident without caring what other people say. Women should never give up; they should always improve themselves and use the opportunities in order to stand on their own feet.”