From Where I Stand: People started seeing me as someone who could offer help, not just as someone sitting there waiting for people to help me.

Ghada, 46, worked in the food and dairy industry before applying to the UN Women Oasis Centre in Jabal Bani Hamida. Through her various experiences, she built self-confidence, and financial independence.

I married at the young age of 16, still unfamiliar with the complexities of life and with my education incomplete. My husband, serving in the military, earned a salary that barely met our needs. Even when our daughter reached sixth grade, we continued to struggle financially, still paying off the furniture we bought when she was born.

My professional journey began around 2007-2008, following my participation in training programs in food, nutrition, and catering, offered by the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD). Through selling my pastries, I started earning an income, and I also ventured into various fields to contribute to my family's finances. These include paying the electricity bills and my daughter’s education expenses. Despite facing societal resistance, where some deemed it inappropriate for me to work and interact with men, my husband's unwavering support was a pillar of strength for me.

During the pandemic, the prices of dairy products fluctuated, and things weren’t as steady as they used to be. This uncertainty led me to shut down my business. It was the period of uncertainty when I learned about the Oasis Centre, operated by UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD). Seizing this opportunity, I applied and was fortunate to embark on a new career path in tailoring.

When I joined the Oasis Centre, my initial interest was in the beauty industry. However, once I delved into tailoring, I discovered a new passion. It was a wonderful experience for me, having never used a sewing machine or needle.

In our early training, we focused solely on practicing cutting techniques on paper, anticipated to first two months. Astonishingly, within the first week, we had progressed to taking measurements, cutting fabric, and tailoring. Where it once took us, as a group, a week or two to barely complete a single uniform, we recently completed a challenge where each of us individually finished a uniform in just an hour and a half.

My aspiration is to purchase my own sewing machine by the end of my training at the Oasis Centre. With this skill, I can create garments for my family and fulfill orders for others, from pillows to uniforms. This journey has transformed my life significantly. Financially, I have moved from the uncertainty. Now being able to support my daughter pay for her university, allowing her to have the basic needs of life. I have also gained financial independence, enabling me to support others in need and enjoy personal outings.

The traditional dependency of women on men for financial support is fading. We are now earning our own income, standing shoulder to shoulder with men. This empowerment is something I passionately advocate for everyone to embrace."