A path to success, Huda transforms her life

Basra, Iraq, 11 March 2024 - Huda, a 21-year-old woman, found herself at a crossroad at the age of 18 when she faced the responsibilities of marriage. Despite her deep love for education and her dreams of pursuing art, Huda had to make a difficult decision. “I had to drop out of school when I got married. It was not easy as I had to put my academic aspirations on hold, especially after welcoming my first child,” said Huda.

Recognizing her dedication, Mujtaba, Huda's husband, was very excited when he stumbled upon an educational opportunity published on social media.  It was a workshop that equips young people like Huda with employability and life skills. With Mujtaba’s unwavering support, he eagerly encouraged Huda to enroll.

With the generous contribution from Canada, UNICEF has implemented a programme aimed at improving the economic status of young people in Baghdad, Anbar, and Basra.  To ensure a smooth transition of young people into the labour market and to promote their social inclusion as agents of positive change in their communities, the programme equipped 1,300 young people with life skills and digital skills and provided employability and entrepreneurship training and capacity building, including mentorship, on the job training and support to small businesses. Women comprised the vast majority of the programme, with 60 per cent of the beneficiaries being young females.    

“Young people's unemployment across the region is very concerning, and it is even more challenging for young women, “ said Marleen Renders, UNICEF Middle East and North Africa  Regional Adviser for Adolescent Development.  “That is why economic empowerment for women is of utmost importance, enabling them to achieve better situations and support their families."

After completing the workshop, Huda secured a job at a beauty salon. “This experience not only enriched my technical expertise but also improved my interpersonal skills, empowering me to effectively engage with my clients at the beauty salon.”

Advancing Young People’s Learning, Social Inclusion, and Transition to Work

Huda’s aspirations did not end, she wanted to capitalize on her newly acquired entrepreneurship skills.  “My goal now is to establish my own beauty salon. Thanks to the entrepreneurship insights and skills that I gained from the workshop, I believe I can do it,” added Huda with a smile.

Now, Huda stands in the face of another significant chapter in her life. She is looking forward to returning to school.   “I also aspire to earn a degree in arts while continuing to work. I believe I can manage both as I became very confident in my business.”  

Huda’s journey, coupled by her husband's unwavering support, serves as an inspiring testament to her resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's passion despite the challenges faced.

Huda is not just shaping her destiny; she is also building a solid foundation for her son's future. She emphasized: "One of the most important things to me is being a role model for my son Eilia. I want him to know that I am a strong woman whose mission in life is to secure the best education for him."