Women go into business in Qayyarah

In Iraq, with increased numbers of returnees to Qayyarah, Action Against Hunger responds to growing needs for employment opportunities.

The Qayyarah town lies on the Tigris River’s west bank, some 70 kilometers south of Mosul. For many decades, the local economy suffered from a lack of income-generating and employment opportunities and observed an increasing number of households living under the poverty line. Two and a half years under the control of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) group and armed confrontations had a tremendously negative impact on the population and the town. An estimated 35% of the infrastructure remains damaged or destroyed. 

FAMILIES’ ARDUOUS RETURN TO QAYYARAH

More than 35,000 residents fled Qayyarah before it fell under the control of ISIS militants in 2014. The period of occupation that followed, and the subsequent operations to retake the town have left long-lasting impacts that will continue to affect the residents for years to come. 

Marwa recalls those “frustrating and dark days” under ISIS occupation and her family being forced to leave its own house. “ISIS members forced us to leave our house and confiscated it for their use. In a short time, they arrested my brother who was our sole breadwinner“. Her family lived in severe conditions and could not afford to buy essentials, such as food. “And after the liberation from ISIS, we discovered our house completely destroyed.” 

After several years between Kirkuk and Erbil, the living of Alaa and her family did not improve right away. “My husband lost his job because of COVID-19. As he had neither work nor money, our life turned into sadness and depression again“. The life of another resident, Muna, also turned into survival after her husband’s death during the liberation of the town: “Suddenly I became all alone with my daughter, and the emptiness filled our lives. We moved to my family’s house with 14 other family members. They were facing a dire economic situation. I needed to ask my parents or my brothers for anything I needed, and it was the most difficult and embarrassing thing to do. There was no other choice.” 

In previous years, most of the residents of Qayyarah were dependent on government salaries. After the occupation and military operations, hundreds have lost their jobs in these sectors. Today, with an unemployment rate of up to 70%, some residents have to buy food and other essential supplies on credit from shops.

IDENTIFY TALENTS AND BUILD BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 

Today, both men and women face severe challenges in accessing job opportunities or finding a steady income source. Action Against Hunger’s recent assessment conducted in Qayyarah has revealed that the absence of start-up capital is one of the main obstacles that makes it difficult to open former or new businesses. Deteriorated economic situation, security restrictions, competition, and the lack of business skills are the main factors negatively affecting business performance. In addition, the rental cost is increasing in the country, and very often, three or four months’ advance rental payment is required upfront. 

Action Against Hunger decided to overcome these challenges by implementing a specific program1 to support new business ideas and small start-ups. It looks towards sustainable employment solutions, as long as new businesses will generate more job opportunities on the local market. 

BUY PASTRIES AND CANDIES IN ALAA’S BAKERY

« I used to spend my spare time making pastries for my family, relatives, and friends. They are used to seeing me making cakes, sweets, and juices for birthday parties and events“. Even though Alaa enjoyed cooking all her life, she never thought it would become her first job. Back to Qayyarah, she submitted her business idea for a bakery.

« Action Against Hunger called me, and at that moment, I felt indescribably happy. I felt fear of big responsibility. But through training, I overcame my fears, and I gained experience in marketing and promotion that made me motivated to expand and develop my business in the future.” 

In Iraq, mental health and psychosocial support is an essential part of Action Against Hunger programs. Thanks to this expertise, fresh business owners benefit from Life, Social and Emotional (LSE) training, overcoming fears, and developing social skills before embarking on business implementation. 

Today, everyone in Qayyarah can buy sweets and candies at Alaa’s bakery. Her business is going well, and she expresses incredible gratitude to Action Against Hunger teams and her loved ones. “My husband was an applicant for his business idea also. However, we had to keep only one business plan. At that moment, I felt that I am the luckiest woman in the world, as he decided to drop his idea and fully support my plan. He believed in my abilities and helped me to achieve my dream!”

In the future, Alaa plans to develop other services, such as training for women and girls in the manufacture of pastries, and provide job opportunities to women in the region.