In a quiet village called Al-Hakumiya, near the city of Raqqa in Northeast Syria, a group of strong and determined women are planting seeds — not just in the soil, but in their futures.

These women have all faced enormous loss. Each one lost her husband during the long years of war. They were left alone to raise children, feed families, and survive in a world that had become uncertain and difficult.

DOZ Syria, with the support of Creative International, launched a project in late 2019 to help 15 of these widowed women regain control over their lives. The idea was simple but powerful: give each woman a greenhouse, the tools to farm it, and the knowledge to grow vegetables that could feed their families and generate income.

🌱 A Greenhouse of Her Own

Each woman received a greenhouse — 50 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high — installed on her own land. These greenhouses allowed the women to grow important vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce throughout the year, even when it’s too cold or dry outside.

But the support didn’t stop there.

Each woman also received a complete kit with gloves, boots, tools, organic fertilizer, and seeds — everything she needed to start farming again.

To save water and improve production, DOZ Syria installed drip irrigation systems for each greenhouse. This system uses water more efficiently, which is especially important in Syria’s dry climate.

👩‍🌾 Learning to Farm — and to Sell

DOZ also organized two training sessions for the women:

• The first workshop took place at DOZ’s center in Raqqa and focused on how to grow vegetables inside a greenhouse, how to deal with common farming problems, and how to sell their crops in the market.
• The second workshop was held on-site, right in the village. Agricultural experts showed the women how to plant seeds, care for crops, and use the irrigation systems properly.

These were not just lessons in farming — they were lessons in confidence, independence, and community.

🌟 Halima’s Story

One of the women, Mrs. Halima A., is a mother of ten. After her husband was killed during the war, Halima had no way to support her family. She had experience in farming, but no money to rebuild. Her land sat empty while her children went without.

When DOZ Syria selected her for the project, Halima was overwhelmed with gratitude. For the first time in years, she had the tools and training to grow food and earn money.

“This greenhouse changed my life,” Halima said. “Now I can feed my children, and maybe even afford the medicine my blind son and deaf grandson need. I feel strong again.”

💚 Growing More Than Vegetables

This project has helped 15 women in Al-Hakumiya stand on their own feet. It gave them a way to feed their children, earn a living, and stay on their land. It brought hope, dignity, and opportunity where there had once been only struggle.

DOZ Syria believes that empowering women — especially in times of crisis — is the key to rebuilding peaceful, resilient communities.

We are proud of these women, and we are committed to reaching even more in the future.

🤝 Help Us Grow

If you believe in supporting women, sustainable farming, and recovery in Syria, you can help. Contact DOZ Syria to learn how to donate or partner with us.

📧 info@doz.ngo
🌍 www.doz.ngo