Crafting Hope: Syrian woman’s story of eesilience and success

Amid years of crisis and suffering that ravaged Syria, stories emerged of women who defied reality and chose to build a future through their own determination. Among these stories stands the tale of Rana Khudr, a 45-year-old woman from Deir ez-Zor, who managed to turn her passion for handicrafts into a source of income and independence after losing her husband in 2018, becoming the sole provider for herself and her six-year-old daughter.

 From a Childhood Talent to a Lifelong Profession

 Since childhood, Rana loved knitting, embroidery, and floral arrangement. Despite the hardships of life, she never gave up her talent. She nurtured it by studying at the Women's Arts Institute, eventually refining it into a well-honed skill.

After graduating, she began working from home, creating artistic pieces by hand. At the time, they were merely a form of self-expression, but they soon became a means of livelihood.

 As the fighting intensified in Deir ez-Zor in late 2011, Rana was forced to flee and rely entirely on her handicraft skills to meet her family’s needs. She started to improve her floral arrangement skills by working in shops and learning through hands-on experience, supported by a friend who stood by her during her most difficult times.

 A Journey of Displacement and Work in Raqqa

 Rana moved to Raqqa in search of safety. Despite the harsh beginnings, she never abandoned her dream. She started anew, relying on her creativity to forge a path amid life’s challenges.

 A Small Support That Changed Everything

 The real turning point in Rana’s life came when she discovered one of the centers run by the Free Women’s Foundation in Syria, which believed in her talent and provided both financial and emotional support. With their help, she launched her own handcrafted floral arrangement business, starting a new chapter entitled:

“I put my name on every piece I make with my hands.”

 Rana proudly says:

"Today, my work is displayed in exhibitions and markets under my real name. I’ve designed bracelets, floral arrangements, and crafted items from nothing... Each piece carries a part of me—my personality and my passion."

 A Message to Every Woman

 Rana concludes her story with a message full of determination and hope:

"Anyone with a skill should develop themselves, start from zero, and seek help from those with experience. Even if it doesn’t become a source of income, it’s a form of self-expression—and it could leave a lasting mark in life."

 a.k

ANHA