The aftermath of conflict and natural disasters has left Aleppo's workforce grappling with numerous hurdles on their path to economic recovery. Women continue to face significant barriers and systemic inequalities that hinder their full participation in the workforce. “It is imperative that we create an enabling environment that values and supports women's work,” state ZOA team members in Syria.
Women at work to rebuild schools in Syria
Supporting education in Syria, and stimulating women’s participation in the workforce at the same time: ZOA does this by providing job opportunities to women in the rehabilitation of earthquake affected schools.
28 December 2023
Supporting women’s decent jobs in the city of Aleppo
Syrian women rehabilitate earthquake affected schools
Aleppo, once a thriving economic hub in Syria, faced immense devastation due to years of war and a destructive earthquake. As the city strives to recover and rebuild, one of the most significant challenges its residents face is the difficulty of finding job opportunities.
ZOA is committed to empowering women and promoting gender equality across all its programmes and projects, by increasing women's access to decent work and economic resources. One example of this is the project ‘Small scale public infrastructure recovery and repairs – schools rehabilitation’, funded by the International Labour Organization. This is implemented by ZOA in Aleppo, with the aim of rehabilitating the schools that were affected by the earthquake.
The project highlights the significant role of women as a part of the rehabilitation process and provides decent job opportunities for more than 15 women of the local community surrounding the affected schools, with different roles that fit their abilities. This project lets the women participate side by side with the male workers in the rehabilitation works at the schools.
“Contrary to the common ideas, even in the rehabilitation works, women have an irreplaceable role,” states Kifah, one of the female workers. “We can turn any place in the schools into a very clean and lovely space that is ready to receive pupils.”
Supported with the required safety equipment and surrounded by a supportive work environment, the women keep working hoping to gain financial independence and enhance their overall well-being and that of their families.
“Women's participation in the workforce fosters social empowerment, as they gain decision-making power and influence in their communities,” state team members of ZOA in Syria. “By raising women's voices and leadership, we can drive positive social change, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote gender equality.”
