Al-Bab Hosts Bazaar to Support Women Returning from Al-Hol Camp
The Al-Khamis market in Al-Bab, located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, recently hosted a food products bazaar organized by the organization ‘Steps for Community Development’ (Khutwat Suriya). The event served as a platform for women returning from Al-Hol camp, alongside other members of the local community, to showcase goods produced through their own labor.
The bazaar marked the conclusion of a 25-day intensive training program. During this period, participants received specialized vocational training in the production of dairy and cheese, designed to bolster their economic empowerment and equip them with the practical skills necessary to enter the labor market.
Items featured at the bazaar included a wide variety of dairy derivatives, such as diverse cheeses, labneh, butter, and traditional ghee. The event provided the women with an opportunity to gain direct experience in market presentation, marketing techniques, and sales strategies. These efforts represent an initial step toward qualifying participants to launch their own small-scale businesses in the future.
Hiyam Haj Ali, the organization’s activity coordinator, explained that the event is part of a three-month pilot livelihood project. The initiative primarily aims to support the most vulnerable groups, including female heads of households, widows, and women who have returned from camps. Haj Ali noted that the training is not limited to dairy production; the organization is also conducting additional programs in the governorates of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor that focus on the preparation of pastries and sweets. These efforts are intended to help participants secure a stable income for themselves and their families through home-based production.
The participants highlighted the importance of the initiative in improving their living conditions. Manar Al-Abdullah, a participant in the training, stated that she has gained practical skills in manufacturing dairy products. She expressed an ambition to continue working in the field and expand her production activity, though she noted a need for additional tools and technical equipment to further enhance the quality and volume of her output.
Huda Al-Qasim, a woman who recently returned from Al-Hol camp, emphasized that acquiring these professional skills represents a genuine opportunity for self-reliance and meeting the basic needs of her family. She expressed hope that this project would open new doors for her within the local labor market.
This project reflects a broader commitment to providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in affected areas. By aligning vocational training with actual market requirements, the initiative aims to integrate women returning from camps into the local economic and social fabric, enhancing their capacity for production and helping them overcome challenging living conditions.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
