The Women’s Empowerment Program at SHO is designed to promote the social, economic, educational, and psychological well-being of women and girls—especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. The program focuses on building women’s self-reliance, expanding their access to opportunities, and enhancing their role in community development.

SHO’s Women’s Empowerment Program promotes gender equity by giving women and girls the tools and knowledge they need to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through education, health, psychological support, and economic opportunity, the program fosters resilient, confident, and capable women leaders in Syria’s recovery.

Program Objectives

• Enhance women’s access to education and vocational skills that support their economic independence.
• Promote women’s health awareness, including reproductive and mental health, to ensure their physical and psychological well-being.
• Support women-led economic initiatives and small enterprises in rural communities.
• Increase women’s participation and leadership in community resilience and recovery efforts.
• Create safe and supportive environments for women and girls to express themselves and access resources.

Key Activities

1.Vocational Training for Women
Delivery of practical, income-generating skills training tailored to contexts.
• Sewing, tailoring, embroidery, and other textile-related crafts.
• Food production and culinary skills, including preserved foods, sweets, pastries, dairy products, and general cooking.
• Hairdressing and personal care services.
• Handicrafts and artisan production such as soap-making, candle-making, and other creative crafts.
• Computer and digital skills, including Microsoft Office programs, Photoshop, video editing, and other software relevant to small business or personal development.

2.Educational Training
Provision of literacy classes for women and girls who missed out on formal education.
Digital and administrative skills courses, including:
• Microsoft Word and Excel training.
• Basic computer literacy to enhance employability.

3.Reproductive and First Aid Health Awareness
Conducting reproductive health workshops to raise awareness on:
• Family planning and contraceptive methods.
• Maternal health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention.
• Breast cancer awareness and early detection. Prevention of early and child marriage.
• Personal hygiene and disease prevention.

4.Psychological and Mental Health Support
Group-based and individual psychological health sessions for women and girls. Focus areas include:
• Coping with trauma and stress.
• Emotional expression and communication.
• Strengthening self-confidence and self-worth.

5.Support for Women’s Economic Initiatives
• Providing technical and material support for women-led micro-businesses.
• Offering small-scale grants, tools, or start-up materials.
• Supporting women’s cooperatives and initiatives that contribute to local economic development.