Marwa’s Story
Finding strength in sisterhood
Women for Women International and A&O Shearman are partnering between September 2023 – August 2025 to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives and create lasting change in their communities
Throughout this partnership, Women for Women International will enroll 250 women in their Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme in Iraq.
After completing four months of training, Marwa share her story, her hopes for the remainder of the programme, and for her future.
I was born in 1991. I am 33 years old and have four children- three girls and one boy. I live in Mosul city with my children and husband. My family is currently living at my in-law’s house, all sharing one room. My husband works but he does not have a stable job and I face daily arguments with my in-laws who tell us we have to leave the house. My living situation has affected my mental health. I try to be strong for the sake of my children and to protect them from the constant arguments.
I heard of Women for Women International and immediately decided to register myself with the hope I would make friends, share experiences and find support. I encouraged my sister Mona, who has also faced great difficulties and challenges, to register for the programme as well.
I have been enjoying the social and economic empowerment sessions sharing.
The Women for Women International training centre is a haven from bitter reality.
I have a strong interest in the financial management sessions and have started setting myself goals. After graduating, I want to support myself and my family by generating an income and realise my dream of affording our own house.
Read more
Dada
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Dada was forced to flee her home when Boko Haram threatened to kill her husband. Now she is a successful businesswoman and a leader in her community.
Sifa
subtitle:
Motivated by the prospect of learning how to make clothes, Sifa joined the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme. But it was the lessons she learnt about women's empowerment that helped to transform her life.
Nastasiya
subtitle:
"My name is not Nastasiya. It is too dangerous to tell you my real name." After fleeing the war in Ukraine, 'Nastasiya' says, "We have lost our home, our city and many of our neighbours, but we will not lose our spirit."