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Fatima

A mom finds independence with growing business in refugee camp
In their words - Fatima
Fatima wanted to become a lawyer so she could defend people’s rights - especially women.
She earned a baccalaureate in humanities, but when the conflict started, Fatima had to leave her hometown. She moved to a small village with no universities and couldn’t continue her studies.
Fatima wanted to become a lawyer so she could defend people’s rights - especially women.
She earned a baccalaureate in humanities, but when the conflict started, Fatima had to leave her hometown. She moved to a small village with no universities and couldn’t continue her studies.
A year later, she got married and moved to Damascus. One day, her husband went missing and there was no information on his whereabouts. Fatima was seven months pregnant and alone. Her mother came to get her, and they moved to a refugee camp in Lebanon.
When I arrived here, the scenery was heartbreaking. A tent and nothing else. I told them I couldn’t stay.
It was hot and Fatima worried the baby would not survive there. But there was no other option, so she stayed and found a way to cope.
We have no news about the village. We have no stuff from our old house. But when I see trees, I can smell the scent of the village.
Fatima
To support her family, Fatima runs a shop that sells makeup, hair styling, hair coloring, gel, and haircuts. They also sell clothing and perfume, in addition to providing wedding dress rentals.
“I love my work and I like the idea of having the salon. It’s fun and makes me feel better. Above all, I have my own income to provide for my own expenses; I no longer have to depend on somebody else.”
To support her family, Fatima runs a shop that sells makeup, hair styling, hair coloring, gel, and haircuts. They also sell clothing and perfume, in addition to providing wedding dress rentals.
“I love my work and I like the idea of having the salon. It’s fun and makes me feel better. Above all, I have my own income to provide for my own expenses; I no longer have to depend on somebody else.”
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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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