Farming Sisters

After opening the doors to our third women’s centre in Essyan Camp, the Lotus Flower launched another livelihoods programme, Farming Sisters. The majority of camp residents are Yezidi and have a farming background that spans generations. As the women’s centre includes a plot of unused land, we wanted to facilitate an opportunity for women to use skills that have been taught to them by their ancestors while also providing an income to support their families. The women have successfully used the land to garden and plant seasonal vegetables.

Throughout the year, they manage the project and sell fresh produce to their neighbours, the surrounding community, and even the Lotus Café. As with all of our livelihood programmes, the women retain 100% of their profits.

Our Farming Sisters have also taken over eight greenhouses which we renovated at Essyan camp in 2023, meaning they can grow fresh vegetables to feed their families and earn independent incomes. Additionally, at Domiz 2 camp, we recently established a community garden featuring raised beds in which women can now grow vegetables and herbs.