Uplifting Syrian Women

USW

Baraa Altrn

Success Story: Baraa Altrn

Baraa Altrn

Success Story: Baraa Altarn

Routine life can often be a graveyard for our dreams without being aware of that, the boredom and delay that many fall into can be one of the most serious problems that may not be seen or quickly realized.
The story of Baraa and her insistence on achieving her ambition can be an important experience for everyone who tries to achieve their dreams in the light of the difficulties we face in our simple daily lives.

“Inspiration is the luck of the skill, Should it strive” With this phrase, our heroine for this month summarized her success story, Baraa AL-Trn, a young Syrian woman. She entered the field of writing strongly, and proved herself with a beautiful promise that will be fulfilled by releasing her first book, titled “Fourteen sad faces” The book will be published soon by the “ALmutawassit House”.

Who is Baraa?

A young Syrian woman, born in 1995, studied law at Damascus University. So, I am now a lawyer and writer.

How and when did you take the first steps in the world of writing?

I started writing in the fifth grade of primary school, with the great support of the Arabic teacher, who openly expressed her vision of an amazing ability I have in writing expression topics, and this statement and support may be from the teacher, and this was the first step in the world of writing.

The first real step was in 2019 within the “Innocence” page in the Syrian Al-Ayyam newspaper, which is an independent Syrian newspaper that was published on a weekly basis.

What difficulties did you face and how did you overcome them?

Baraa talks about the most prominent difficulties she faced during her journey to prove herself in the world of writing, and comes first, the challenges of daily life in Syria, from power outages, followed by turning off the “laptop” at critical moments, such as your need to finish a job you started or The moment of revelation or a moment of inclusion in the story must not be interrupted.

They are insurmountable difficulties, so the only solution is to accept them and adapt to them. Difficulties of another kind, manifested by anxiety and fear of failure, which are natural feelings that every person experiences, especially when he approaches the realization of his biggest dream, with moments of fatigue and anger directed at me, but the most difficult are the moments when a person feels that he wants to give up but to overcome them is a great victory.

What are your tips for everyone who is still looking for the way?

I don’t have a ready-made book of advice that I can give to others who would like to go through the same experience. Everyone has their own story, their own unique experience, and a journey with its hardships and accomplishments, but the important thing is not to give up.

What is the difference between a successful and an ordinary person from the point of view of your experience?

In fact, I see that the successful person is the one who decides to give more time and make more effort to achieve his dream. Here, I would like to mention a sentence by the poet Mahmoud Darwish:  “Inspiration is the luck of the skill, Should it strive”

The measure of success for me is always related to skill and effort. As for her goals, Baraa said: “I have a permanent goal to say that we, as Syrians, still exist, and our dreams are still big, and we will find the ways that will lead us to it in the end.”

From the Uplifting Syrian Women family, we wish Baraa every success in her life, and in all her steps, and we are happy and proud to shed light on her inspiring success story.

‏♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read: Leen Waddah Sa’eb.

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Sustainable Development Goal 12

Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Sustainable Development Goal 12

Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Some patterns of behavior we all do and can contribute to eradicating poverty in the world, so what are they?

Our consumption increases in the summer, in contrast to responsible production and consumption, specifically during the summer holidays. Trips, social events such as weddings, graduations, etc, we witness in the summer many forms of consumption that do not stop at its individual but turns into a culture of society, which has a positive and negative impact on the economy’s environment and development.

Therefore, achieving responsible production and consumption patterns yields gains in terms of efficiency and productivity, and ensures that our consumption remains within the absorptive capacity of our planet’s resources while respecting the rights of future generations. [1]

This is what Sustainable Development Goal 12 “Responsible Production and Consumption” aims at.

The concept of responsible production and consumption

Responsible production and consumption: by enhancing the efficiency of a resource, energy, and sustainable infrastructure consumption, in addition to providing access to basic services and green jobs – which means working in environmental sectors to serve the sustainable development goals – and improving the quality of life for everyone. [4]

We are going to achieve more in a better way and at a lower cost. [2]

here the cost is not limited to the material aspect but rather exceeds it for what is more important than it, because we incur environmental losses and an increase in social or class differences without responsible production and consumption.

The shift to a sustainable approach depends on our production and consumption activities, the use of services and products, the minimization of the use of natural resources and toxic substances, as well as the emission of pollutants and waste over the life cycle of the service or product so that the needs of future generations are not jeopardized. in simpler terms; For example, the culture of factory production today is not considered responsible or sustainable production. Looking at the products of factories, we do not deny the benefit of these services and products, but behind the curtain, there are effects that we do not pay attention to, such as wasting natural resources and harming the environment and health.

Another example is the transformation made by fast food restaurants into burger, which was essentially a piece of meat on a loaf of bread. Now it includes 7 or more ingredients instead of 2 (minced meat, cheddar cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes and bread). It achieves the same goal in both ways, which is to supply the body with energy. As for the second method of preparing burgers, it almost generalizes with the irresponsible production and consumption systems in our lives. And all of this is for marketing purposes and a huge waste of resources.

How do we shift to responsible and sustainable production and consumption?

Shifting to sustainable production and consumption patterns involves increasing efficiency and productivity along the supply chains in industries for the life cycle of products, from raw materials to the final product. [1]

Starting by encouraging sustainability in the consumption of resources and energy, facilitating access to basic services, providing decent work opportunities that are not harmful to the environment, spreading a culture of rationalizing consumption, and improving the quality of life for the benefit of all. [2]

By shifting to what is sustainable in the agricultural sector (organic fertilizers, biologic control, modern irrigation systems, etc.). The next step, is the transformation to sustainability in industry and production using renewable energy sources, bio-treatment of waste, and ensuring a healthy environment for workers.

Finally, and most importantly, obtaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly product. And it doesn’t stop here; Production and consumption can be made sustainable in the tourism sector, public procurement practices, buildings, and food systems. [2]

Indeed, of their cross-cutting nature, responsible production and consumption address multiple sectors, from the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. SDG 12 covers both the efficient use and management of natural resources (target 2) and environmental impacts such as waste management (target 5), and the release of pollutants, particularly chemicals (target 4). This goal engages all actors to contribute to sustainable development, including the private sector (target 6).

The goal also highlights the importance of providing information to and educating consumers about sustainable development and lifestyles (target 8). The goal also defines the role of the public sector through sustainable public procurement practices (target 7), as well as the shift towards sustainable consumption and production in the food system (target 3) and the tourism sector. Consumption and production activities are the basis of the global economy. But current patterns are rapidly depleting natural capital, degrading ecosystem services, and undermining countries’ ability to meet their needs sustainably. [1]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Experiences in responsible production and consumption

“Sustainable consumption according to the pillars of sustainable behavior, a field study of the consumer of sargas in Constantine – Algeria” This study aims to present the reality of sustainable consumption according to the pillars of sustainable behavior among consumers of sergas in the city of Constantine, as the pillars of this behavior were divided into four behaviors, pro-environmental behaviors, rationalization behaviors, altruistic behaviors, and fairness behaviors.

This study was accomplished by distributing a questionnaire to a sample estimated at 386 respondents from SERGAS users in three service stations in Constantine, and the statistical analysis was done using the SPSS statistical package. The study concluded that the sample items tend to support sustainable consumption behaviors that are built according to the pillars of sustainable behavior. [3]

This statistical study indicates the possibility of a shift to sustainability in the field of production and consumption, and the tendency of humans toward these behaviors if they spread instead of the prevailing consumption culture. Goal 12 remains essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as it enables many of them to be achieved. The shift towards sustainable consumption and production patterns has already begun in many parts of the world.

Our initiative supports this goal, like all sustainable development goals, and works to achieve it through awareness of the dangers of environmental pollution, and the importance of protecting the environment. The initiative also offers many training courses that support businesses that may constitute real steps in the field of achieving responsible production.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN

[2] UNESCWA

[3] UMC

[4] Beeatna

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International Youth Day

International Youth Day

International Youth Day

International Youth Day

Have you heard about International Youth Day? Why has there been a need for such a day?

Many people see that young people are responsible for the community’s backwardness, regress, and corruption, and that is due to the lack of attention to the youth issues and their desire to migrate out of the country. These people forget that young people are currently the most affected by all global crises, and they do not realize that young people are the most capable of facing and Overcoming challenges and circumstances.

“It was just a black cloud. The war changed my life completely. I’ve changed where I live, my ambitions, and all my plans. All my memories have changed.” Rami, a Syrian young man [1, p. 2]

Definition of Youth

There is no universally agreed international definition of the youth age group. However, the United Nations defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.

Many countries also draw the line on youth with regard to the age at which a person is given equal treatment under the law—often referred to as the ‘age of majority.’ This age is commonly 18 in many countries; Nonetheless, the definition of the term ‘youth’ varies from country to country, depending on relative sociocultural, institutional, economic, and political factors.

Today, the youth account for 16 percent of the global population, as there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years. By 2030 the number of youth is projected to have grown to nearly 1.3 billion. [2]

The Importance of Youth Role

Youths are the building blocks of the present, the future power, and the cornerstone of society’s building and progress; as young people are the segment most capable of facing the challenges and circumstances, as well as the most energetic, impulsive, and self-confident. They are always able to provide the best solutions to the challenges in the society they live in. By cooperating with each other, they can advance society and motivate others to help in its development, in addition to increasing their influence on others and being affected by others.

Young people contribute to building and developing societies through several aspects, the most important of which are voluntary initiatives that often seek to provide solutions to huge problems in societies and help provide assistance to the rest of the people. In addition to making donations, participating in blood donation campaigns, and establishing workshops of various content in order to expand the circle of knowledge. [3]

Also read: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The Effects of War on Syrian Youth

In Syria, as a result of the war that has been going on for more than ten years, it is obvious that the reality of the Syrian youth does not meet the same standards that apply to the rest of the youth around the world. Therefore, their problems and responsibilities have become greater than those borne by the youth category, which led to the fact that the youth category became the most affected category by the repercussions of the war. This war left deep scars on an entire generation of young men and women; many of them were forced to leave their homes and had to interrupt their education.

The most important effect was because of the actual war, as seven out of ten young people were wounded during the conflict. In addition, the family and social ties have been sundered due to the loss of people as a result of the war or the loss of communication.

For mental health, the impact was great and severe as a result of the suffering of a large number of Syrian youth from depression and sleep disorders. On the economic front, the biggest problem has been accessed to food, as three-quarters of Syrian youth struggle to meet their household’s basic needs. [1, p.4]

The International Importance of this Day

The United Nations has recognized the global importance of the youth. Due to their infinite dreams and energy which are vital for the continuing development of societies. Member States of the United Nations acknowledged this in 1965 when they endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect, and Understanding between Peoples.

The United Nations General Assembly observed 1985 as the International Youth Year: Participation, Development, and Peace. In 1999, the United Nations declared August 12th International Youth Day, with the aim of drawing the international community’s attention to the importance of young people and their effective ability to change societies.

In addition, the youth category is closely related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Especially the 4th goal that represents Quality Education, education is a fundamental right for youth everywhere. There is a need for concerted efforts to ensure that young women and men have access to free and quality education. Reaching this goal is essential to creating a qualitative shift in society, securing job opportunities for the workforce, and achieving suitable job opportunities for young people.

SDG 8th “Decent Work and Economic Growth” contextualizes the call for decent work for youth because the spread of unemployment and underemployment led to the deterioration of the economy. [2]

USWI View on the Matter

Uplifting Syrian Women emphasizes the importance of the youth and their essential role in changing and developing countries and societies, and they are not the cause of the deterioration and backwardness of the Arab communities, but rather they are the most affected by these crises; as they constitute a barrier to youth to achieve their dreams. Therefore it is necessary to pay attention to their issues and to seek out solutions for their problems, in order to provide them with good conditions that enable them to develop and build themselves and become leaders who lead their societies to development in all fields.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] ICRC

[2] UN

[3] Mawdoo

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Violence Against Women

Social and Humanitarian Issues: Violence Against Women

Violence Against Women

Social and Humanitarian Issues: Violence Against Women

Do you know that the defense of women’s rights is crucial so far? Do you know how many women are subjected to violence around the world?

Violence against women is a global matter, which has existed and has been rooted in the past, and continues to this day. So far, until the time of writing of this article, at least one or numerous girls are subjected to one of the violence types . If we do not raise our voice, demand women’s rights, and seek equality, violence will continue and may become more dangerous and widespread.

“There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures, and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.”
– Ban Ki-moon, Former United Nations Secretary-General, 2008. [1]

Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner in their lifetime. [2]

Violence Against Women

The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, which may occur in public or private life.” [2]

As a result, the terms Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) originated. “GBV” refers to harmful acts directed at an individual or a group of individuals based on their gender. It is mainly caused by gender inequality, stereotypes or norms, and roles in every society. While women and girls suffer greatly from GBV, men and boys can also be targeted.

Whereas, “VAWG” is defined as any act of gender-based violence that results in harm or suffering to women and girls in particular. [3]

Types and Forms of Violence Against Women

As mentioned, violence is embodied in many ways; and several types of it may overlap or exist together. Forms of violence against women:

  • First: domestic violence, also called domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is one of the most common forms of violence globally. The murder rate of women committed by their partners is 38% globally, while the rate of sexual assault by someone other than a partner is 6%. [2]

The primary goal of domestic violence is to gain or maintain power and control over a partner. It includes economic violence such as maintaining total control over financial resources and withholding access to money. Psychological and Emotional Violence such as insults, mind games, and psychological pressure. Physical and Sexual Violence such as hitting or using physical force to harm a partner and forcing them to take part in a sex act. [3]

There are often previous indications in the partner’s behavior and an escalation in violence and love of control.

  • Second: femicide; refers to the intentional murder of women because they are women, and it differs from male homicide mainly in that most cases of femicide are committed by partners or ex-partners or anyone the victim knows. It is often preceded by abuses in the home or persistent death threats. [3]

A female may be killed by a member of her family or her husband’s family to erase the “dishonor” or “shame” she has brought, which is known as an Honour Killing. In addition, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and many others fall under the heading of violence against women.

Violence Impact on women and children

Violence to which a woman is subjected has grave consequences even after she survives it. It also has dire consequences for children which may be short- and long-term, whether they are subjected to violence by their mothers or they are just witnesses to the violence. Some of the effects of violence on women:

  • Possible depression and anxiety disorders sleep difficulties, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide attempts.
  • Unintended pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Health effects can also include headaches, back pain and chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and gastrointestinal disorders
  • Children who grow up in families where there is violence may suffer a range of behavioral and emotional disturbances. They may tend to use violence and force to achieve anything later in life. [2]

Also read: Women’s Employment.

RESPECT Women; a framework for preventing violence against women

With the aim of preventing violence against women, in 2019 WHO and UN Women with endorsement from 12 other UN and bilateral agencies published RESPECT women – a framework for preventing violence against women aimed at policymakers. Each letter of RESPECT stands for one of seven strategies:

R- Relationship skills strengthening.

E- Empowerment of women.

S- Services ensured.

P- Poverty reduced.

E- Enabling environments (schools, workplaces, public spaces) created.

C-Child and adolescent abuse prevented.

T- Transformed attitudes, beliefs, and norms.

Examples of promising interventions

  1. First: Psychosocial support and psychological interventions for survivors of intimate partner violence; in addition to combined economic and social empowerment programs.
  2. Second: Working with couples to improve communication and relationship skills, and participatory education with women and men to generate critical reflections about unequal gender power relationships.
  3. Third: Community mobilization interventions to change unequal gender norms.
  4. Fourth: School programs that enhance safety in schools and reduce/eliminate harsh punishment and include curricula that challenge gender stereotypes and promote relationships based on equality. [2]

In conclusion, we would like to mention that Situations of humanitarian crises and displacement may exacerbate violence rates. For example, cases of domestic violence have risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. [2]

In Syria, according to UNICEF, the rate of child marriage was 13% before the war, and in 2019 the United Nations Anti-Violence Program showed that this percentage rose to 46%. Despite the lack of reports, the suffering and exposure of Syrian women to violence in its various forms is constantly increasing. [4]

Neither “habits” nor “stereotypes” allow what is wrong to become true.  Murder is a crime. Violence is a crime. Bullying is a crime. Silence and non-interference are wrong. Not to help is wrong. Nowadays, many women are beaten, abused and killed. So let’s work to protect and support women. Let us strengthen and encourage women. Because they are human above all else, like you and us, and certainly they have their rights. 

Women’s rights are human rights. As an initiative that focuses on the advancement of women in general, especially Syrian Women, we would like to let you know that we exist. We will not stop until you are treated equally. So cheer up, get up and try. Do not give up!

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] WHO PDF

[2] WHO

[3] UNWomen

[4] Suwar

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Julia Domna

Woman of History: Julia Domna

Julia Domna

Woman of History: Julia Domna

Is it possible for a Syrian woman to be the empress over Rome?
Yes, it is Julia Domna.

You may have heard this name by coincidence somewhere, do you know who she is? She is one of the symbols of women in Syrian history that is no less important than other queens such as Zenobia and an honourable image of Syrian women of all ages.
The Syrian woman has always been creative, inspiring, and perfect in everything she does, whether she is a wife or even a leader. So, how about if one woman performs all these roles?

Who is Julia Domna? When was she born? and where? 

Julia Domna was born into an ancient and noble family of masters in a city that inherits the priesthood of worship of the deity Elagabalus. Her father, Julius Bassianus, was the high priest of this cult in Homs and in the Roman Empire. The exact date of her birth is unknown. But it is likely to be between 166 and 170, in the city of Emisa, Homs in Syria. [1]

What about the private life of Julia Domna?

Septimius Severus, who had held many high positions in the Roman Empire, heard of a woman from Homs, whom it had been foretold that she would marry a king. This woman was Julia Domna, and thus she was betrothed to Septimus. While some accounts say that she was on a mission in the current region of Syria, and there he met Julia Domna and admired her, and then married her [2]

They had two sons, Caracalla (Qurat Allah) in 188 and Geta in 189 AD. The family moved between Syria, Lyon, Rome and then Carnuntum between 191-193 AD in Austria, east of Vienna, where the soldiers called for him to become Caesar. On the ninth of June of that year, he entered Rome, and Julia Domna received the title of “Augusta”. [1]

Also read: Woman of History: Asmahan.

Julia as Empress and the positions she held

Together with her powerful husband, Julia Domna established a dynasty within the Roman Empire that ruled for 42 years. Julia Domna had many titles such as “mother of the army camps”, and many other titles. She was even said to have held more titles than any other empress of Rome. This may be because her husband was not the only one of her immediate relatives who ruled the Roman Empire; her sister, Julia Maesa, was the grandmother of two emperors. [2]

In 208 AD, Julia Domna participated in her husband’s war against Britain, where she remained at the front line for three years, and attended the peace agreement signed in 211 AD. [3]
It is mentioned that she was highly educated and had a great interest in literature and philosophy by holding seminars for writers and philosophers in her palace. Among these writers was the writer Flavius Philostratus, who wrote a book – at the request of Julia Domna – on the life of the Neopythagorean philosopher Apollonius. [1] 
In the year 204, the Games, which was taking place only once every hundred and ten years, was held in Rome presided by Julia Domna.[3]

Julia Domna accompanied her husband in his battles in the East and was awarded the title of “Honourable Mother of the Camp” (mater castrorum). Although the commander Plautian tried to prevent her from achieving influence, she was able, with the help of her son Caracalla, to exercise her role as a ruler alongside her husband. But in the following years, the dispute escalated between her two sons, Caracalla and Geta, supposed to rule as joint emperors, according to their father’s wishes expressed in his will. [1]

Caracalla had the final word as he was the eldest. On January 11, 211 CE, Caracalla killed his brother Geta, who had invited him to a meeting of reconciliation. Gita perished in the arms of Julia Domna, who is injured while trying to protect him. For sure this incident left an effect not small on Julia Domna and affected her relationship with her son Caracalla. However, this did not change her position in the empire, as she was treated with the utmost respect and was responsible for the administrative affairs of the empire. As for Caracalla, he focused his efforts on the military battles.[1]
On April 8, 217 AD, her second son, Caracalla, was killed while he was in Edessa in eastern Syria. A guard killed him instigated by the Roman leader Macrinus, who became Caesar after him. [1]

How was the end of this special Empress?

There is not a single analysis regarding the end of Julia Domna, some say that she wanted to commit suicide by starvation. While another account says that the new emperor kept her entourage and her position in the empire, but she wanted to plot against him. So he punished her with death, but it is not known exactly how she died.[2]

The Syrian historian Dr Mahmoud al-Sayed, deputy manager of laboratories at the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, pointed out that he discovered in Syria many artefacts depicting Queen Julia Domna. Including a coin made of silver that dates between the second and third centuries AD. On one side of the coin was a portrait of Empress Julia Domna. The silver archaeological coin is currently preserved in Damascus National Museum. [3]

Our initiative takes great pride in all the pioneering women, in both past and present. We hope that the image of the Syrian woman will remain bright and inspiring, and a symbol that cannot be underestimated, of strength, science and culture.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] Marefa

[2] Arabic Post

[3] SANA

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Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Do you think you’re a shy person? If so, does shyness affect your work and personal life? Have you ever heard of “Social Anxiety Disorder”? You can read the following article to find out the difference.

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable. [8] The most important ideas that can help people with anxiety disorders:

  • First: classify the events into under control, and out of control, then stop worrying about events we have no control over.
  • Second: deal with your fears directly and immediately.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to the cashier in the store. Doing everyday things, such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom, also may cause anxiety or fear due to concerns about being humiliated, judged, and rejected.

Social anxiety disorder usually begins during late childhood and may resemble extreme shyness or avoidance of social situations or interactions. It occurs more frequently in females than in males, and this gender difference is more pronounced in adolescents and young adults. Social anxiety disorder can last for many years, or even a lifetime. [1]

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Blush, sweat, or tremble.
  • Have a rapid heart rate.
  • Feel their “mind going blank”.
  • Feel sick to their stomach.
  • Have a rigid body posture, or speak with an overly soft voice.
  • Find it difficult to make eye contact, be around people they don’t know, or talk to people in social situations, even when they want to.
  • Feel self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively.
  • Avoid places where there are other people. [1]

Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Genetic Factors:
    Presently available clinical genetic studies point to a considerable heritability of anxiety disorders (30-67%), with multiple vulnerability genes
    These genes have been shown to partially interact with each other as well as with environmental factors to shape the overall disease risk in a complex genetic model.[2]
    The rate of occurrence of SAD is higher in identical twins than in non-identical twins, according to data collected from research on 2163 samples of female twins. [3]
  • Brain structure:
    A structure in the brain called the Amygdala may play a role in controlling the fear response. People who have an overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, causing increased anxiety in social situations. [4]
  • Environment:
    A social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior — some people may develop significant anxiety after an unpleasant or embarrassing social situation. Also, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and parents who either model anxious behavior in social situations or are more controlling or overprotective of their children.[4]

Diagnosis

It is normal for any of us to have experienced symptoms similar to the aforementioned ones in some of the situations in which we will be evaluated, or if we are exposed to a sudden situation at a gathering, but this is not diagnosed as having a social anxiety disorder.

In case the previous symptoms are recurrent, constitute real obstacles in social and professional life and cause isolation from social events and meeting new people in general, a specialist doctor should be referred to in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

A psychiatrist or other mental health specialists can make a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder based on your own description of your symptoms, how they occur, and in what situations. Your doctor will use the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if your symptoms warrant a diagnosis.

To be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, you must have had the symptoms described in the DSM-5 for at least 6 months or longer. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria also require the exclusion of other mental disorders such as panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, it may take multiple sessions with a mental health specialist before they can confidently diagnose social anxiety disorder [5].

Also read: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Treatment

Psychotherapy through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Thoughts, feelings, and behavior are interrelated, so changing one can help alleviate problems in the other. Cognitive therapy techniques focus on modifying catastrophic thought patterns and beliefs that favor social failure and rejection. Exposure therapies to social situations are designed to gradually encourage the individual to enter into feared social situations and try to survive in those situations. The duration of treatment is approximately 12 sessions. [6]

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations to help you feel less anxious and fearful. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you learn and practice social skills, which is very important for treating social anxiety disorder.  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been well studied and is the golden standard for psychotherapy. [1]

Medication

Different types of medications can be effective in treating this disorder, including:

  • Antidepressants: antidepressants may also cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or difficulty sleeping. These side effects are usually not severe, especially if the dose starts off low and increases slowly over time.
  • Beta-blockers: They can help control some of the physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder, such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, and tremors.
  • Anti-anxiety medications: are powerful medications that start working immediately to reduce anxious feelings. These medications can be very effective in rapidly decreasing anxiety, but some people get used to them and need higher doses to get the same effect. Some people even become dependent on them. Therefore, your health care provider may only prescribe it for short periods of time if you need it.

Both psychotherapy and medication may take some time to work. A healthy lifestyle can also help combat anxiety. Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and turn to family and friends you trust for support. [1]

Social Anxiety Disorder in Women

Research results at the University of Cambridge have shown that women are twice as likely to experience anxiety as men. It could be due to differences in brain chemistry and fluctuations in hormones. Reproductive events throughout a woman’s life are associated with hormonal changes that have been linked to anxiety. Women are also more likely to experience physical and mental abuse than men, and abuse has been linked to the development of anxiety disorders. Child abuse is associated with changes in brain chemistry and structure. According to previous research, women who have been sexually assaulted may have abnormal blood flow in the hippocampus, an area of ​​the brain involved in processing emotions. [7]

Our initiative is concerned with spreading psychological awareness in society in general and among women in particular; as knowing the symptoms of diseases at an early stage has a significant impact on the treatment journey. We also seek to combat the violence of all kinds against women as it is often a major cause of many mental illnesses.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] NIMH

[2] NCBI

[3] Medical

[4] Mayo Clinic

[5] PSYCOM

[6] APA- Division 12

[7] University of Cambridge

[8] APA

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World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

“Our ambitions lead us to look out for change and opportunities. We often get what we aim for, but other times we are thrown back. But for victims of human trafficking, however, a shattered dream is more than a setback- it can be a terrifying nightmare of the worst kind.”
– Albert Silk- Crime Prevention Expert in the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Division of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). [1]

The Concept of Trafficking in Persons

The United Nations defines trafficking in people in its various forms, including the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

The World Day against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/68/192. [2] 

Types of Human Trafficking

There are many forms of trafficking:

  • Trafficking for forced labour: The victims of this widespread form of trafficking are primarily from developing countries.
  • Trafficking for forced criminal activities: Victims are forced to carry out a range of illegal activities including theft, selling counterfeit goods, or forced begging. Victims often have quotas and can face severe punishment if they do not perform adequately.
  • Trafficking in women for sexual exploitation: Women and children from developing countries, and from vulnerable parts of society in developed countries, are lured by promises of decent employment into leaving their homes and travelling to what they consider will be a better life.
  • Trafficking for the removal of organs.
  • People smuggling: Smugglers may force migrants to work in inhumane conditions to pay for their illegal passage across borders. [3]

How to Identify Cases of Human Trafficking: Everyone has the ability to detect a case of Everyone has the potential to discover a human trafficking situation. While the victims may sometimes be kept behind locked doors, they are often hidden right in front of us. These are some of the key signs that can alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported: 

  • Live with the employer.
  • Poor living conditions.
  • Several people in a cramped space.
  • Inability to speak to the individual alone.
  • Their answers appear to be written and rehearsed.
  • The employer holds the worker’s identity documents.
  • Signs of physical abuse.
  • Submissive or afraid.
  • Unpaid or with little pay.
  • Under 18 and in prostitution. [4]

Also read: International Day of Friendship.

Causes of Human Trafficking

  1. Political instability:
    War, civil unrest, political conflict, violence, lawlessness, and natural disasters create unstable conditions in which people may live in constant fear with limited options for survival or earning a living. Children may be separated from their families and left without parents or guardians to protect and advise them. Political instability may also lead to forced migration where people flee from their homes in search of more stable or secure communities.
  2. Poverty:
    Poverty creates despair. Traffickers specifically target poor and marginalised communities to offer vulnerable individuals false opportunities to improve their circumstances.
  3. Racism and the Legacy of Colonialism:
    Racism and colonialism contributed to the marginalisation of people, particularly indigenous populations. People who experience racism face systemic barriers such as limited access to education, employment, housing, and financial resources.
  4. Gender inequality:
    In many cultures, women are seen as less than men; are paid less for equal work; have fewer rights; have less access to health, education, and property; are expected to be submissive to men, and are therefore vulnerable to recruitment by traffickers.
  5. Addiction:
    Traffickers use substance dependency and addiction to keep control of the trafficked person.
  6. Mental Health:
    People with mental health issues face a variety of challenges including isolation, diminished capacity to consent or offer informed consent, and limited ability to assess risk and detect ill-intentions. Traffickers are skilled in detecting these vulnerabilities and manipulating them to their advantage.
  7. Gang Involvement:
    For gangs, the exploitation of men, women, and children is lucrative and less risky than other trades such as weapons or drugs.
  8. Online Vulnerability:
    Traffickers maintain an online presence to lure vulnerable adults and children with the goal of meeting them in person, taking and circulating explicit photos, and coercing an individual to comply with their demands. Traffickers often keep compromising photos or videos of the people they are exploiting to further their control — they may threaten to publish these images online or send them to the family and friends of the trafficked person. [5]

Therefore, awareness must be spread among all members of society because the victims themselves may not be aware of their being victims, or be unable to take appropriate measures due to the aforementioned reasons.

Syria’s Situation on the Issue of Human Trafficking

According to the results of a study conducted by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD):

The effects of war and the displacement crisis put people in a situation of increased vulnerability to human trafficking and have resulted in actual trafficking cases. However, this was not reflected in a significant increase in the identification of war-related trafficking cases and the refugee crisis by the authorities.
The classic organised crime paradigm commonly used for understanding trafficking does not fit neatly into the actual situation of people trafficked in the context of the Syrian conflict. Very severe forms of exploitation and trafficking are indeed taking place, committed by highly organised criminal networks, but the most common type of exploitation is at a lower level, involving fathers, mothers, husbands, extended family, acquaintances and neighbours. 

In most of the cases revealed through this research, trafficking is not a cross-border phenomenon related to the migratory movement itself, though cross-border trafficking is present in some cases. 
In general, the evidence-based human trafficking forms target the vulnerabilities due to internal displacement, as the process of human trafficking begins with the presence of internally displaced people and refugees within the host communities.
Some forms of trafficking directly related to war appeared. The same is true of ISIS human trafficking for the purposes of sexual slavery, forced marriage, and war exploitation by other parties in the armed conflict.[6]

Our initiative is concerned with spreading awareness about the issue of human trafficking, since identifying the problem is the first step towards the solution. The initiative also provides many forms of psychological and scientific support for Syrian women to address some of the issues which cause women to become victims.

♀️Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN- Chronicle

[2] UN- World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

[3] Interpol

[4] U.S. Department of State

[5] British Columbia

[6] ICMPD

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International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship is evidence of the existence of love, peace, and understanding. This day represents the importance of friends in our lives and the way they improve it. Whether it is by accompanying us on a vacation or just listening to our problems to help us solve them, a friend makes it much easier.

It is not only about them being available when we face hard times, but also sharing our happiness and celebrating our successes.  It would not be wrong to say that the world would be a much more difficult place if we did not have friends.

Background- International Day of Friendship

The UN General Assembly designated 30 July as the International Day of Friendship in 2011, in order to build bridges of peace and friendship between communities. [1]
Prior to being designated by the United Nations, the first World Friendship Day was proposed in 1958 by the World Friendship Campaign; an international civic organization that campaigns to promote a peaceful culture through friendship. [2]

Friendship is an essential tool to make the world prosperous and peaceful, and it’s a major source of maintaining social harmony between communities. By developing the directions of friendship between people, communities, and states we can reach a better level of stability, solidarity, and peace. There has been increased interest in the international day of friendship over the last decade, as social media has adopted it as an occasion to honor friends and exchange gifts.
The International Day of Friendship is celebrated on different dates around the world, but it is mainly celebrated on July 30th.

The Importance of International Day of Friendship

This day is important in many ways. What would we be without that friend that makes life much easier?
In addition, the UN has stated that the world faces various challenges like poverty, violence, and human rights abuses – among many others- that undermine peace, security, development, and social harmony world’s peoples. Therefore, to confront and overcome these challenges, Promoting and defending the spirit of human solidarity is of the utmost importance. Friendship is considered the simplest and purest form of any relationship.

The culture of peace is the fundamental idea for creating the United Nations. UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations that works with the international community in the fields of Education, Science, Culture, and communication, has been developing this mission for more than 70 years. The UNESCO Constitution, written in 1945, links the possibility of peace and hope with strong bonds of trust and friendship stating: ” Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defenses of peace must be constructed”. [3]

Also read: Nelson Mandela International Day.

The Relation of International Day of Friendship with promoting a culture of peace

Friends are not only important on an individual level, friendship can also be important on a global level.  Friendships that cross borders can help bring peace and avoid war.  Learning to think of other people, who are different from us, as our friends help us work together to build a culture of peace. That’s why the UN declared 30 July as its official International Day of Friendship.

The International Day of friendship promotes a culture of peace through several things, the most significant of which are:

  • Promote sustainable development in all its economic, social, and cultural aspects.
  • Support the free flow of Culture, Information, and knowledge around the world;
  • Advance understanding, tolerance, and solidarity;
  • Promote respect for all human rights;
  • Promote international peace and security.
  • Foster a culture of peace through education;
  • Ensure equality between women and men. [1]

How Can You Participate in the International Day of Friendship?

Showing your love and support to your friend, and thanking your friend for being in your life have many forms. Gifts are not only presented on birthdays, on this day you can show your love to your friend by presenting a token gift or making one even if it is simple. You can spend this day with your best friend away from other people and strengthen the bond with each other. But when your friend is away from you and you can’t spend time together, you can make a short call to express how grateful you are for his existence in life.

Choose your own way to participate in this day, the most important thing is to spend a good time with your friend.
We, at Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, seek to build friendship bonds between each other and with the world outside. We consider everyone our friends and encourage respect for human rights, building friendships and bonds with all human beings, because in this world, if we are not friends or brothers and sisters, we can’t promote international peace and security.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN- International Day of Friendship

[2] National Today

[3] UNESCO

International Day of Friendship Read More »

Sustainable Development Goal 11

Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable Development Goal 11

Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable development seeks to create a world that is more resilient to the challenges that stand in its way, in particular the challenges of poverty, hunger, and inequality in order to protect the planet as long as possible and sustainably. One of these goals is to make cities, communities, and human settlements inclusive, safe, and resilient.

Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals

Half of the world’s population, 3.5 billion people, lives in the cities that occupy just 3 percent of the Earth’s land, consuming 60-80 percent of energy. They generate up to 70 percent of global carbon emissions, which come from human activities. [1]

Even though cities have become the primary centers for education, trade, culture, development, and production, however, it has become vulnerable to major problems such as climate change, natural disasters, and the spread of communicable diseases; the most recent of which is Covid-19. This is why “Make cities and human settlements sustainable, inclusive, safe and resilient” has become SDG 11, which the United Nations seeks to achieve in the near future.

The challenges faced by cities, and ways to overcome them

Modern and sustainable urban planning begins by addressing cities’ problems, such as:

  • First: is pollution, as 75% of carbon emissions come from cities, and therefore 9 out of 10 people living in urban areas breathe air that does not meet the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines. [1]

So, what is the main source of pollution? And what are the means to reduce it?
A question whose answer is not far from our minds, is the huge amount of gas emissions from transportation, as the shift to sustainable transportation boosts the economy and respect for the environment and issues such as health, social justice, and the link between urban and rural areas to keep them productive.

The pursuit of sustainable cities means: Achieving sustainable energy use in transportation systems, for example, trains that operate with alternative energies. Provide an attractive, safe, and pedestrian-friendly environment to reduce accidental death rates for children and the elderly. Support and encourage local communities to use bicycles and walk. [1]

  • Second: Our Green Zone is Under Threat.

Despite the role played by green spaces and public places, they are at risk due to conversion to residential housing and businesses. Without a strong commitment from Governments to preserve, protect, and value these spaces they will be lost forever.

Therefore, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, in particular for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Public and green spaces offer opportunities to improve health and the quality of life for all people living in cities, which will improve our psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. In addition to achieving the purpose of reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases under SDG 3 (Ensuring healthy lives) by providing places for people to be physically active.

Green spaces can help contribute to SDG 7 (Ensure energy for all) by lowering city temperatures. They help achieve balance by Cooling the air, providing shade, and absorbing air pollutants. [2]

Achieving the goal of sustainable cities and human settlements, Why is it a need not a luxury?

It will be the cities that determine if we achieve inclusive economic growth or yield to greater inequality. It is in cities where people will seek opportunities for higher education and employment. And, it will be cities that determine if we will continue our steadily increasing usage of the world’s resources or if we can realize a more sustainable path. Finally, the cost of the change is small in comparison with the benefits, for example, there is a cost to create a functional public transport network, but the benefits will be huge in terms of economic activity, quality of life, environment, and the overall success of a connected city with rural as well. [1]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 10.

Sustainable cities at present

Sweden, which is an example of sustainable transportation through buses, trains, and boats, depends on renewable energy for transportation. The Swedish city of Gothenburg (göteborg), Scandinavia’s largest coastal city, is behind this initiative through a collaboration between Business Region Göteborg, Volvo Cars, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, to create the first completely zero-emission zone.

The ‘Gothenburg Green City Zone’, an initiative that started in 2021 aims at establishing selected areas within the second largest city in Sweden, to be completely emission-free by 2030. To achieve that, Gothenburg uses a variety of climatic-neutral transportation and smart infrastructure. Some examples of techniques to be tested:

  • It can include ️solutions and geographical empowerment services, which ensure that cars in the area only operate electrically and travel within specific speed limits. The advanced traffic infrastructure can contact safety factors within cars and exchange information between road users.
  • “Mobility Hubs” is fully electric; (Mobility axis: It is a place where you can reach a group of different means of transportation, in addition to the presence of integrated facilities around you).
  • The full charging network is easy to use for electric cars.
  • Self-driving taxi. [4]
  • Another example is to maintain the green spaces that makeup half of the city of Vienna to compensate for the oxygen in exchange for what is possible from the carbon dioxide.

How can we be partners in achieving SDG 11?

Our initiative sees a solution in the youth entrepreneurial vision that proposes real and effective alternatives to avoid the problems of cities. Such as sustainable transportation that fits with the nature of the city, recycling, and alternative vital industries. 

Women are encouraged to adhere to a healthy lifestyle approach that, even if individually, will truly make a difference if we all work together. Most important of all, the initiative strives to enhance human resources and build the capabilities of individuals, as a first step in providing any solutions.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

[1] UN- Sustainable Development

[2] UN- Chronicle

[3] Going Green

[4] Swedish Institute

Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Read More »

Leen Waddah Sa'aeb

Success Story: Leen Waddah Sa’eb

Leen Waddah Sa’eb

Success Story: Leen Waddah Sa’eb

Who is Leen? Leen Waddah Sa’eb

How did you start?

I studied Civil Engineering at Damascus University, Irrigation, and Drainage Department, and I graduated in 2011. Then I continued my master’s studies at Damascus University in Information Technology in 2012. After that, I received a scholarship from Reda Saeed Foundation to study for a master’s degree in Britain, where I attended the University of Exeter in 2015 to study Water Resources Management specialization.

What difficulties did you face? and how did you overcome them? 

I had difficulties when I was in Damascus and when I arrived in Britain. The first difficulty which affected me the most was the war. Initially, I worked with the Public Corporation for Transport and Communications at Al-Duweir headquarters; we used to go to work during the shelling, and the other option was to stop working and stay at home for fear of shelling. But like all Syrians, we have learned to resist fear, wake up in the morning, live our lives, and go to our work as if nothing had happened. This war taught me that if I could make my way through it, I would surely be able to overcome any fears. During that time, I was studying for a master’s degree and attending courses to learn AutoCAD. Preoccupation with these courses and studies distracted me from the pain of war and prompted me to continue. Then I worked as an engineering team leader at Oxfam, where we traveled to dangerous areas to deliver water.

The second difficulty: managing a team of engineers older than me, all men, was not an easy task. I had to work even harder to prove myself and convince everyone to deal with the issue of a woman being a manager, which exists in our society.
Then there was the difficulty in applying for scholarships and access to funding; I had applied to many universities until I got university admission. In addition to studying English in order to take the IELTS exam, which is required for the scholarship. I would also advise all those trying to get a scholarship, to not despair of the first refusal and keep trying.

When I arrived in Britain, the difficulty of expatriation and adaptation was my first obstacle, and the difficulty of being away from family and friends, which is difficult to overcome even if you surround yourself with new friends. And then the difficulty of self-proof as a Syrian who works in a language that is not her mother tongue and in a developed country where there is no room for error.

What advice would you give to all those still seeking their path?

My advice to them is not to be satisfied with what they learned at university, but rather to take advantage of the Internet that is now available, which contains all the means that help a person to reach the goal. Take advantage of this progress and openness to the world and this abundance of information to progress in the field they love.  Especially the age of youth, it is the most suitable age for working hard and striving, use your time to develop yourself. This is the most important advice.

The second piece of advice: Do not stop, I believe that every diligent person has a share;  no one puts an effort somewhere and goes to waste. Energy never perishes in the universe. One scientific fact and its practical application in our lives are that every effort placed in one place will inevitably produce an outcome someday. It may take a while for this result to show up, but it will show up.

The third piece of advice: Set your target and do not work at random. When you set a goal, create a plan to reach that goal and define that plan, and then start implementing it in a realistic way that fits your lifestyle. Believe that you may fail at first, but you must continue. Believe as well that success is a cumulative process and will not happen overnight.

What is the difference between a successful and an ordinary person from the point of view of your experience? 

Continuity; a successful person goes after the target patiently, while a normal person gets bored and loses hope in the first challenge. The difference is definitely not in the person’s intelligence or mind. The difference lies in one’s belief in himself and his abilities. The difference is that the successful person determines what he wants, and works to reach what he wants, while the normal person loses interest in what he wants and gets distracted easily.
Success occurs at the moment when fatigue is increasing. Do not despair, only at this moment lies success; in the extra effort.

What are your dreams and upcoming goals?

I want to succeed in my current job as Senior Project Manager for Water Line Extension Projects in Britain at Arcadis. In addition, one of the plans I am currently thinking of is a social media project to spread knowledge among young people to discuss the problems of our Syrian society and seek to develop it.

Share with us a quote or a sentence that you think summarises your career? 

Perseverance is the key to success, with perseverance you can overcome everything, even the absurd.

Also read: Success Story: Rouaa Hamze.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

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