“There is no tool for development as effective than the empowerment of women” – Kofi Annan.

We decided to tell the inspiring success story of Mrs. Hathiik Hassan Yakub.

Hathiik is a 40 years old widow who fled from the devastating drought in Bakool region with her 4 children and sought refuge in Madhaayda IDP camp, northwest Baidoa district in 2022.  Life in the refugee camp was tough and difficult due to the lack of proper shelter as well as inadequate food and water.

As a single mother and the sole breadwinner of her family, Hathiik was forced to shoulder the burden of displacement, poverty and starvation while taking on the responsibility to sustain her four orphaned kids.  

Life in the IDP camp was all doom and gloom for Hathiika, until SSWC intervened to enroll her and a group of her friends in four months livelihood training program on tailoring skills. The main objective of the tailoring training program was to enhance the quality of life of women and girls through enhancement of their skills and knowledge. They needed to learn newer vocational skills such as tailoring (sewing) which could help them earn more income and become economically self-sufficient and independent. This will alleviate poverty, help them support their family needs without being dependent on husbands and parents.

In these training centers, the trainees were taught by a qualified professional teachers. These tailoring classes enabled the women and girls in the IDP camps to earn on their own, making them self-confident and self-reliant. After successful completion of 4 months training, the women and girls were given sewing machine to take home with. They started their own tailoring shops and make money.

“I’m truly grateful to SSWC for the insightful and impactful training. The training sessions and the skills I gained will be a game-changer in my life.”  Hathiik recalled with smiles on her face. Hathiik remains hopeful and optimistic about the future and that of her children.

Figure 1 Hathiig sewing a garment in the training hall.

Under the KAAFIA PLUS project, SSWC empowered 180 women and girls in  Baidoa, Cadado and 2 Districts from Banadir Regional administration.

 The trainees were each  given  a sewing machine, rolls of fabric, pairs of scissors and  spools of thread as start -up kit.  Hathiik utilized her skills and started her own family business where she  found a source of income to put food on her table.

“This will give me a new life to look forward to. I am hopeful that my children will now be able to get educated and live a life different from mine, ” said Hathiik, armed with her sewing machine and other accessories.

This Livelihood Skills Training on tailoring by the KAAFIA PLUS project was funded by USAID, supported by CRS and impleme

Figure 1.1 Hathiig receiving her certificate at the graduation Ceremony in Baidoa.

Figure 1.3 Hathiig sewin a clients garment in her shop in Madhaayda IDP Camp.

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