From creativity to entrepreneurship: Fatma’s Handicrafts Business

Following displacement from her home community, Fatma* was looking for ways to earn an income and support her family. Through a livelihoods programme implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and funded by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), she took part in vocational training in basket-making and the production of household items.

The training gave Fatma the opportunity to develop her craftsmanship and learn how to turn raw materials into beautiful, practical products. She also received the materials needed to put her new skills into practice and begin producing items for sale.

Fatma now makes baskets and other household wares on demand, carefully crafting each piece to customers’ orders. And her work has attracted considerable interest - Fatma sells directly from her home, where customers come to place orders. Demand for her handmade products has grown, and she is now receiving numerous orders.

For a mother of four, being able to run her business from home is particularly valuable. It gives her the opportunity to balance the responsibilities of caring for her children and managing her household.

The money she earns is helping her contribute towards the family's everyday needs, providing an additional source of support for her children.

Livelihoods opportunities do not have to look the same for every woman. For Fatma, the path towards earning an income has started at home with creativity and quality craftsmanship.

*The name Fatma is a pseudonym. Identifying details have been withheld to protect the privacy of households.