In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck northwest Syria, the need for humanitarian aid has become more urgent than ever. The project “Support for Women Affected by the Earthquake in Northwest Syria,” implemented in Kafr Yahmul and Jisr al-Shughur, aims to address both the immediate and long-term needs of women affected by this natural disaster. Running from May 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024, the project seeks to meet humanitarian needs, enhance the psychological and economic resilience of the affected women, and foster social cohesion within the community.

Context and Importance:

The earthquake in northwest Syria has exacerbated already difficult conditions in a region that has been struggling with conflict and displacement for over a decade. Women, who often bear the brunt of such crises, are particularly vulnerable. They face unique challenges, including an increased risk of gender-based violence, economic instability, and mental health issues. Addressing these challenges is critical not only for the well-being of women but also for the overall recovery and stability of the community.

Project Objectives:

The project’s primary objectives are threefold:

1. Meeting Humanitarian Needs: Provide immediate relief to women affected by the earthquake, including shelter, food, and medical care.
2. Enhancing Resilience: Equip women with the tools and support needed to recover from the disaster, with a focus on psychological resilience and economic empowerment.
3. Improving Social Cohesion: Foster a sense of community and mutual support among women, helping to rebuild social networks disrupted by the earthquake.

Implementation Strategy:

1- Providing Humanitarian Aid:

Shelter and Basic Needs: Distribute tents, blankets, food packages, and hygiene kits to ensure the immediate survival needs are met in both Kafr Yahmul and Jisr al-Shughur, including:

• 600 large dignity kits for 600 women, distributed once in both locations.
• 1200 small dignity kits for 600 women (distributed once a month for two months) in both locations.

2- Psychological Support:

• Counseling Services: Establish counseling centers and provide group therapy sessions to address trauma and mental health issues resulting from the earthquake.
• Community Support Groups: Create peer support groups where women can share experiences and provide mutual support. A voluntary session was also organized at Nawa Library, focusing on recognizing psychological stress, its mental and physical impacts on women, and how to adopt new lifestyles to avoid stress and adapt to current conditions.

3- Economic Empowerment:

Skills Training: Offer vocational training programs to help women develop new skills that can lead to income-generating activities. The trainings included:

• Training 25 women in the art of crochet.
• Training 25 women in electronics repair.
• Providing the top trainee in each training (crochet + electronics repair) with a grant to start her own business.
• Organizing an exhibition where trainees can showcase their crochet products and offer electronics repair services.

4- Social Cohesion Activities:

• Community Building Events: Organize events and workshops that bring women together, promoting unity and collaboration.
• Educational Programs: Conduct awareness campaigns on women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and community participation to build a more informed and cohesive community.

Expected Outcomes:

By the end of the project, it is expected that:

1. Humanitarian Needs: 600 women will receive regular, specially designed dignity kits to meet their immediate needs, ensuring access to essential hygiene and personal care items to maintain their health and dignity during the post-earthquake recovery.
   • 600 women in Kafr Yahmul and Jisr al-Shughur will attend awareness sessions on sexual and reproductive health.
   • 100 women in Kafr Yahmul will participate in regular sports sessions to improve their mental health through activities that reduce stress and trauma, and aid in community engagement between the host community and displaced individuals.
   • 50 women in Jisr al-Shughur will attend regular sports sessions aimed at improving their mental health.
2. Economic Empowerment: The skills of women affected by the earthquake will be enhanced, creating and increasing their economic opportunities as 50 women successfully complete vocational training and are given the opportunity to start their own businesses.
3. Resilience: Women will show improvement in their mental health and economic stability, reducing their vulnerability to future crises.
4. Social Cohesion: Strengthened social bonds among women in Kafr Yahmul, leading to a more supportive and resilient community.

Conclusion:

The “Support for Women Affected by the Earthquake in Northwest Syria” project is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of women in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster. By focusing on humanitarian aid, psychological support, economic empowerment, and social cohesion, the project not only helps women recover but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and united community. This comprehensive approach is essential for promoting long-term recovery and stability in a region that has faced unprecedented challenges.