Women empowerment in Jordan: one skill at a time

Refurbishing an antique nightstand or resetting a tripped circuit breaker are seemingly straightforward household tasks, yet many of us turn to a trustworthy handyperson for help.

Not Fadwa. The 45-year-old mother of 5 from Syria prefers to take things in her own hands, debunking gender stereotypes and leading as an example of what women empowerment means in practice.

“When something breaks down in the house, like an electric plug, I fix it myself. When something breaks down and requires drilling, like a chair or a table, I do it myself. I don’t wait until my husband returns or ask anyone to fix it for me.”

Fawda, like many other female refugees living in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp, has learnt basic carpentry and electricity maintenance skills at the EU-funded safe space for women and girls run by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

We met with her earlier this year to get to know more.

Story by Daria Ortiz Suardy, EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

Publication date: 30/08/2023