Sisters’ Stories: “It was my dream to have my own business”

Seve is a 29-year-old displaced woman who was forced to flee her home in 2015 during the ISIS conflict.

Devastatingly, she lost one of her eyes during the tumultuous period, but a critical lack of money prevented her from seeking proper medical treatment – especially as her husband also needed treatment for long-term illness.

But thankfully, things recently took a turn for the better, when Seve was selected to receive business training and a financial grant through our project with The Big Heart Foundation and NAMA Women. Using her new skills and the funding, she decided to open her own small supermarket in Essyan camp. In the shop she sells all kinds of foods, snacks and cosmetic products, and her new venture is thriving within the community she serves.

“It was my dream to have my own business and to support my family,” she says. “I am happy now.”

While providing a much-needed source of income, the business also serves as a fitting symbol of Seve’s strength and resilience. In her role, she is able to juggle her responsibilities as a businesswoman, caretaker and the breadwinner of her family, and it gives her a much needed focus when other aspects of life in displacement are so difficult.

Now saving up for the eye surgery she desperately needs, Seve is hopeful of a future where she can prioritise her own health – without compromising the wellbeing of her family. “I’m so grateful for the amazing support,” she says. “Hopefully the Lotus Flower will be the reason that I’ll be able to see from both of my eyes again in future.” 

We very much hope so…

You can see Seve in this short video about this project below, too.