In the village of Hadhah in Al-Turbah district, Taiz governorate, Arwa Mohammed transformed her passion into a sustainable source of income, thanks to support from Tawakkol Karman Foundation’s "Haith Al-Insan" program. Her story is not just one of personal success but a testament to resilience and the power of determination in overcoming hardship.

A journey of struggle and hope

Arwa grew up an orphan and had to take responsibility for herself and her family members from an early age. Despite excelling in her studies and earning top marks in her first year as a mathematics student at university, she was forced to drop out due to financial difficulties. She turned to various jobs, including sewing and making accessories, to sustain herself.

"I have five children, and I am their sole provider. I do everything I can to secure their future and provide for them without letting them feel any shortage. Even though working in fields or homes was tough and unstable, I never stopped searching for a more sustainable source of income," Arwa said.

From a hobby to a profession

Arwa first started sewing wool coats and scarves before moving on to designing small handbags, though they did not gain much traction. She then found better success in making accessories, which attracted more customers and provided a more reliable income. Over time, she expanded her work to include children's bags, phone pouches, and eventually school bags.

However, she faced significant obstacles. Advanced sewing machines and fabrics were hard to come by, and financial limitations, coupled with transportation difficulties, made it even harder for her to grow her business.

The intervention of "Haith Al-Insan"

Recognizing her dedication, the "Haith Al-Insan" team stepped in to help Arwa achieve her dream. They implemented a comprehensive project that included providing water access to her home, installing lighting, and expanding her workspace. She also received intensive training in perfume-making and was given a dedicated shop in Al-Turbah to showcase her handbags, accessories, and a selection of beauty products.

Expressing her joy, Arwa said, "Now I have the equipment I need, and I can produce high-quality bags along with accessories. This support has exceeded all my expectations."

A brighter future

Thanks to this initiative, Arwa has secured a dignified life for her children, who can now continue their education without obstacles. She hopes her business will pave the way for a better future, saying, "Now I can guarantee a safe future for my children. I hope they never have to go through what I did."

Arwa’s journey is more than just a personal victory—it is proof that achieving dreams begins with a single step and that persistence and hard work can truly make a difference.