International Women's Day: Education as the foundation of women's empowerment

My name is Wedad. I'm a maths teacher and I'm honoured to share my professional journey as a woman in education. I've always believed in the profound impact teachers have on shaping the minds and souls of generations. Inspired by my mother, a dedicated educator, I embarked on the noble path of teaching. 

Upon my arrival in Erbil, I joined the JWL language programme to learn English. Graduating from the Learning Facilitator programme in September 2023, I proudly became a part of the JWL family as an [onsite] learning facilitator for Business Administration.

My journey as an educator has been one of continuous growth, allowing me to connect with students of all ages both in schools and JWL learning centres. Through my experiences, I've honed my teaching skills and embraced opportunities for professional development.

Growing up in a family that valued education, I learned resilience and the importance of overcoming challenges. Despite facing hardships during the war in Syria, including the loss of our home, I persevered. Arriving in Erbil, I encountered new educational challenges due to language differences, which I now view as opportunities for personal growth.

In essence, education serves as the foundation of women's empowerment. As educated mothers, women become influential figures shaping the next generation. On this International Women's Day and beyond, let's reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all women. By breaking down barriers and investing in women's education, we pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous world.

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The demand for JWL programmes is unprecedently high – and growing. We need your support to empower more women like Wedad through higher education, so they can achieve their goals and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. Donate today