Women’s Development Services Foundation launches empowerment programs in Hasakah 

The Women’s Social and Development Services Foundation in Hasakah continues its efforts to empower women and young women, strengthen their ability to become self-reliant, and expand their presence and active role within the family and society. It does so through a comprehensive range of awareness-raising, educational, vocational, health, legal, and social programs.

Established on August 22 of this year, the foundation has obtained licenses authorizing it to operate throughout Syria. Its work is guided by a firm vision that views women not merely as beneficiaries of development, but as essential partners in shaping it and participating in decision-making.

The foundation focuses on four main areas: social services, health, population development, and law and the defense of rights.

In this regard, the foundation’s deputy director, Lamia Hantoush, explained that its main objectives and current activities include addressing social problems, providing psychological and social support programs, and dealing with psychological trauma. They also include offering training projects to empower women economically, help them become self-reliant in generating income, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Hantoush added that the foundation provides legal advice, assists in resolving disputes, and protects the rights of vulnerable groups. She noted that its training programs are not limited to women but target all segments of society to improve overall skills and competencies.

Organizationally, the foundation consists of a seven-member board of trustees, made up entirely of women, responsible for developing plans and strategies. It also has a reconciliation committee that works to settle disputes amicably between conflicting parties, and a legal office dedicated to providing women with legal advice and informing them of their rights.

Given the importance of economic empowerment, the foundation organizes various vocational training courses, including sewing, computer skills, hairdressing, and first aid and nursing. Participants receive officially accredited certificates issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. These projects and training programs are scheduled to continue for a full year.

On the health and humanitarian front, the deputy director announced that the foundation had signed a three-year strategic partnership agreement with Al-Khabour Hospital. The agreement aims to accommodate up to 300 medical cases referred by the foundation each month.

Under the agreement, beneficiaries will receive medical services and healthcare at half the regular cost, with a 50 percent discount. This is expected to significantly ease the financial and living burdens on local residents and low-income families.

To raise community awareness, the foundation regularly organizes lectures and awareness sessions to address negative social phenomena. Key topics include raising awareness of the dangers of electronic blackmail and digital protection measures, as well as combating violence against women.

Hantoush concluded by affirming the foundation’s intention to launch literacy courses in all languages spoken in the region, in response to the community’s needs and development requirements.

A-H 

ANHA