From Displacement to Determination: Hadia’s Journey to Self-Reliance

Hadia Khalaf* is a 39-year-old Yezidi woman from Khanasor, Sinjar. Since the Yezidi Genocide in 2014, she has been displaced in Khanke with her husband and three children, struggling to rebuild her life. Her husband works as a taxi driver, their only source of income. Though they reside in an old house rent-free, financial insecurity remains a daily reality.

Before the Genocide, Hadia remembers a life filled with joy, close-knit family gatherings, and community celebrations. Now, many of her relatives are scattered, and the sense of normalcy she once knew is gone. Living in displacement, far from her original village, has made it difficult to regain the freedom she once had.

In the early days of displacement, NGOs provided Hadia’s family with essential aid, but support gradually diminished. Despite these hardships, she remains resilient, determined to create a better future for her children. She dreams of owning a home and a small business to secure a stable income. With a deep passion for tailoring, she aspires to hone her skills and become a professional tailor.

Her journey toward self-reliance took a significant step forward when she enrolled in livelihood and education programs offered by the Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF). Through these programs, she refined her baking skills, gained confidence in English, and learned financial literacy, which transformed how she manages money. These opportunities have not only improved her practical skills but also given her hope and confidence.

Beyond learning, Hadia values the supportive community she found at FYF’s Enterprise and Training Center (ETC). She describes it as a peaceful space where she feels at home, meeting new friends and stepping outside her daily routine. She has also noticed a positive shift in attitudes toward women and girls, with more women taking on leadership roles, pursuing education, and learning to drive—opportunities that were once out of reach.

Looking ahead, Hadia hopes FYF can expand its training programs to empower more women and girls. Her story is one of resilience and determination, proving that with access to education and skill-building, women like her can create a brighter future for their families and communities.

*Name changed for privacy.