Syrian women graduate from vocational training programme at Za’atari Refugee Camp
Date:
The “Women and Girls Oasis Centre” established by UN Women in the Syrian refugee camp of Za’atari, in the Governorate of Mafraq in Jordan, provides approximately 1,000 women and girls a “safe space” where they have access to services, support and awareness about gender-based violence and gender equality.
The Centre offers women refugees employment opportunities through income generation and access to vocational training in skills of their choice, including tailoring and hairdressing, literacy, English and French language courses, as well as providing in-kind grants to sustain modest economic activity. It also provides a space for women and teenage girls to take part in recreational activities, including drawing, mosaic projects and sports.
UN Women has been supporting Syrian refugee communities across the region. This includes work to ensure Syrian women refugees’ empowerment and protection through income-generation projects and access to basic services including psycho-social and legal support for survivors of gender-based violence.
During a recent visit by the Director of UN Women’s Programme Division, Gülden Türköz-Cosslett, 30 Syrian refugee women at the Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan graduated from a “Women and Girls Oasis” vocational training programme focused on running a hairdressing business. The graduates received the equipment needed to sustain their skills and start their own businesses.
The celebration of the first graduation ceremony was attended by Jordanian camp management authorities; Sameera Al-Tuwaijri, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States; Giuseppe Belsito, UN Women Representative for Jordan and the Syria country office; as well as by friends and family of the students.