Learning to Deal with Challenges through Hard Times

In her short 33 years, Marwa Muhammad Elias has faced enormous challenges including poverty, hardship and ostracization by her community.  Married at 21, she lived in Al-Hussainiya until conflict broke out in her village and the community accused her father of being a member of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Marwa was forced to flee to save her life and the lives of her family.

A young widow with six children, Marwa found herself in Khazer camp in 2016. With no family home to return to, she nonetheless has no desire to

return to her village. “I prefer to stay where I am,” Marwa said. “There is safety in the camp and the family would be in danger if we returned to Al-Hussainiya. Her father was arrested accused of ISIL membership, and Marwa finds herself like so many single female-head of households, was ostracized because of her perceived association with ISIL. She finds herself without the necessary education or skills to support her children, one of whom has special needs.

“Our lives were difficult when myself and my husband married, and we had limited income. He is deceased now and there is no option to return to our village - I am however, grateful to receive aid in the camp,” she continued.  “I was very angry for a long time, and had difficulty in resolving conflict, taking out my anger on my children.” Marwa’s friends told her about the Empowering Women in Conflict Prevention and Response Strategies sessions, which she believes, has changed her life.   

“The topics we covered in the course included communication skills which not only allows me to express my feelings, but also helps me understand and cope with the psychological pressure I feel when I think we can never return to the village.” Marwa believes that UN Women support for organizations such as Bring Hope is helping to change lives and empower women, and for this she is grateful.