Nadia's Initiative Women's Business Beneficiary Details Impact of Support

Before ISIS invaded Sinjar, Fani lived in the Tel Azeer district with her loving family. When ISIS invaded her village and killed her husband, her peaceful life was shattered and she lost everything.

"I remember how terrified and helpless we felt when ISIS murdered my husband and brother-in-law right in front of our eyes," Fani recalls.

Despite the horrors they faced, Fani remained strong for her two children and managed to flee to a safer place, the Sinjar mountains. A few days later, the widow and her children made it to Syria and then on to Kurdistan, where they found shelter in an unfinished building in Zakho.

Fani carried the burden of uncertain futures for her children while living in the shelter with limited access to essential services, including education. After 6 years, Fani decided to return home when she learned that Nadia's Initiative was reopening schools and establishing small business opportunities in Sinjar.

Fani joined NI’s second women’s business incubator program to start her own business and support her children’s education. She was provided with a wide range of trainings and seed money to open her own grocery shop. As the main provider for her family, having a regular source of income to make ends meet is incredibly meaningful to her.

“My life has changed significantly since the business was established. This small business has given us some peace of mind to keep going with our lives. Nadia's Initiative and Mission East have been a huge help to my journey, and I'm very grateful for that. "

This project is funded by UAE Aid.