Empowering Women to Increase Their Self Reliance
Khayal is a Yezidi artisan at FYF’s Enterprise and Training Center (ETC). Khayal reflects on her journey since fleeing ISIS’ violence during the Yezidi Genocide:
“A Yezidi woman from Sinjar, my life took a turn for the worst during the Yezidi Genocide, as I fled with my family from our hometown to Khanke IDP camp. Life in the camp is full of difficulties. I quickly learned it would be crucial for me to be able to depend on myself and improve my skills. I attended knitting and sewing classes at FYF’s ETC to learn new skills and find a job.
I was delighted to be chosen as an artisan to work on making FYF’s unique Chonky Animals product line. FYF’s knitting instructor provided me with all the support I needed to improve my skills. I feel proud that we as Yezidi women are making these unique products, and people all over the world are interested in them.
I also joined FYF’s educational courses to learn how to read and write, as I have never been to school. Through my work, I am able to support my family financially, advance my skills, and improve my mental wellbeing.”
*name changed to protect the identity.
