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04

Amina

A business owner challenges gender norms to support her family
In their words - Amina
If I had to describe my last 10 years in one word it would be fatigue and I wish it never happens again.
Amina

Amina is sad her kids didn’t get to have the same kind of life as she did.

“Generally speaking, life is very frustrating.”

Everyone now is sickened and pressured by the high cost of living and the inaccessible daily supplies.

“They never had a chance to live a normal childhood. They were happy but not as much as we were. They grew up during a war filled with bloodshed, suffering and missiles. My kids have flashbacks of the sounds of the missiles … not the bloodshed itself, but the sounds are carved in their memories.” 
Amina embraced what, for a woman in Syria, would be considered a unique line of work -- repairing motorcycles. 

“My children were bullied because of the work their mom had to do.

For example, my young daughter had difficulties finding a husband and getting married because of what I do for a living. 

But in the end, they all accepted me.

Amina the motorcycle lady.”
Amina embraced what, for a woman in Syria, would be considered a unique line of work -- repairing motorcycles. 

“My children were bullied because of the work their mom had to do.

For example, my young daughter had difficulties finding a husband and getting married because of what I do for a living. 

But in the end, they all accepted me.

Amina the motorcycle lady.”
I support every woman with any similar business idea cause it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’m confident of the work I do, because truly there’s nothing wrong with it. I love it and I want it to continue growing.
Amina
Amina sitting with friend
I wish to be home in the next couple of years with my kids so I can dedicate all my time to helping them. I want them to continue their studies and I will carry on and support them with all my strengths.
Amina
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A business owner challenges gender norms to support her family
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A mom finds independence with growing business in refugee camp
About ICRC
Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We are based in Geneva, Switzerland, and employ over 20,000 people in more than 80 countries. The ICRC is funded mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Syria is the ICRC’s largest operation in the world. In cooperation with its local partner, the SARC, the ICRC assists communities with healthcare, mental health, economic security, water and habitat, as well as protection and prevention work. Visit our website to know more about our work in Syria and beyond.
The data featured on this website are based on a survey of 1,400 Syrians aged 18 to 25, of whom 800 live in Syria, 400 in Lebanon and 200 in Germany. The age range was chosen to represent individuals whose adolescence and early adulthood have been deeply marked by the conflict. The country locations were selected to ensure a variety of respondents in different situations.
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