Help Strengthen the Resilience of Syrian Refugees

Dear Supporter,

Since 2013, Concern has worked with Syrian refugees in Turkey and Lebanon, helping them cope with their displacement and acclimate to their new environments. In Tripoli, Lebanon, Concern is working to improve the economic and psychosocial capacity of refugee women in order to reduce the social and economic risks they face. As part of this effort, Concern has been providing a communal space and access to empowerment activities, psychosocial support, and awareness-raising sessions to 65 women between the ages of 18 and 50 residing in Qobbeh, one of Tripoli’s poorest neighborhoods. Targeting women marginalized both socially and economically, especially those with little or no work experience who are unable to sustain themselves or their families, Concern works with women from both the refugee and host community. There is often resentment and tension between these groups, which perceive each other as being at odds; Concern therefore aims to bring them together, providing a place for women to meet and interact with others from different communities and to share their interests and goals, thereby fostering social cohesion and proving that peaceful coexistence is possible.

To this end, Concern hosts psychosocial support sessions which cover topics including the psychological, emotional, and social needs of women; the impact of family pressures on women and tools for dealing with these pressures; constructive communication through family; stress-relief and management; women’s empowerment, specifically women’s rights; gender equality; non-violent communication strategies; and child protection.

Alongside these psychosocial support sessions, the women are trained in embroidery and crochet. Through these trainings, they are mastering six types of stiches and learning how to make a range of marketable items, including bags, scarves, and pillow covers. The items they produce will be sold through a local partner’s marketing channels.

The trainings are especially valuable when considering that embroidery is a lifelong skill that women can practice anywhere in case of displacement. Embroidery has the potential to help them find future employment and augment their household income, thereby empowering the women and balancing gender roles at the household level. Of the 65 women in the program, the 30 most advanced in embroidery will be invited to continue producing items for the local partner to sell, which will help them earn a stable income to support their families, further empowering them within the family. The subsequent work sessions will also serve as a creative outlet for the women, especially for those who have been displaced, to escape societal hardships and stress.

As the Syrian crisis is now well into its fifth year, and refugees continue entering neighboring countries in high volume, your support is more important than ever. On behalf of Concern and the refugee women of Tripoli and their families, we thank you for your compassion and support.