Hamda in her main office in the recycling facility. Image: Monther Abutarha/Oxfam
In 2014, Hamda, 31, fled the conflict in Syria carrying her only child — an infant back then — through sandstorms and shelling to finally arrive in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.
Hamda in the refugee camp in Jordan. Image: Monther Abutarha/Oxfam
I didn’t have time to be depressed, and I knew I had to be a source of inspiration for those around me. Some rely on you for the smallest shred of hope.”
Hamda
I like helping people even [if] with a word, especially those who are alone. I don’t like to see people being exploited … Maybe I am different because I have to be the mother and the father for my son, I don’t have an option but to be strong.”
Hamda
The year Hamda arrived in the camp, a coincidental interaction with an Oxfam Community Engagement team member saw her apply to volunteer with the organisation in the camp.
Team leader Hamda sitting in the recycling centre in the refugee camp in Jordan. Image: Monther Abutarha/Oxfam
When I first took this position, many would ask me how can you do this type of job? After all, I am overseeing an operation with 80 trolly workers, and six sorting workers.”
Hamda
Being a woman and managing the team is source of relief to other women taking part in the project they always tell me that they feel safer under the leadership of a woman.”
Hamda
Not only did I learn what it means to volunteer with an organisation … I had the ability and knowledge to advise other women on how they can apply for similar opportunities and protect them from being exploited.”
Hamda
I feel that my experience is one of success, hope, innovation and meaningfulness. This job I have, and previous ones helped me become who I am today, and helped me become independent and an active person in my community and provide for my child.”
Hamda
This story was adapted from a piece written by Jassar Al-Tahat for Oxfam in Jordan. That blog was produced with the financial support of the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Its content is the sole responsibility of Oxfam and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU or BMZ.