From Passion to Profession: Nouf’s Transformation at the Oasis Centre

Story by: Bashar Al-Ja’bari

Nouf is a 28-year-old Jordanian woman who is an Oasis beneficiary at Al-Muwaqqar Centre, funded by the European Union through the Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian crisis, the Madad Fund, as well as the governments of Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Iceland and Finland, and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. She enrolled in the hairstyling programme due to her long-standing passion for makeup and beauty.

UN Women's approach through the Oasis programme addresses immediate needs while building foundations for long-term resilience, championing women's crucial role in the stability and growth of Jordan. The program resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals and promises to be an integral component of the country’s strategy to overcome current socio-economic challenges.

“I heard about the centre through my neighbours, everyone in the neighbourhood is familiar with all the events and courses that take place here. Once I knew about the hairstyling programme, I was so excited to enrol, and I am so happy that I got accepted and could be part of the programme,” says Nouf.

One of the best things about the centre, in Nouf’s opinion, is the support she received from the staff and facilitators, which helped her become more confident and thrive throughout the course. The financial support she received also helped her at home and motivated her to improve and think about her next steps.

“I didn’t stop working on achieving my dream of becoming a makeup artist. After I finished the course here, I registered in other courses, learned new skills, and obtained more certificates. I could take many major steps because of my enrollment in the Oasis centre.”

The Oasis Model has notably enhanced its reach, establishing a total of 22 centres, and significantly empowering around 90,000 individuals directly and indirectly since its inception, predominantly Syrian refugees, and vulnerable Jordanian women, including a substantial number of people with disabilities. Results from 2023 show that the Oasis programme has significantly improved access to livelihood for participants in host communities, with 88% earning an income for the first time in their life.

“After earning an income from the centre, I feel stronger and more independent. I could buy new equipment to improve the quality of my work. I also feel that I am a productive human being, able to achieve something in life. Nothing should stop any woman from achieving her dreams.”

Nouf highlights that dealing with many people with different personalities and backgrounds at the centre gave her confidence and great communication skills, which are essential in her field. Initially worried her family would oppose her enrolment, she found that once they saw how comfortable and happy she was, they encouraged her to work hard and do more.

“My kids were very happy when I started working. I could get them stuff that they want and make them happy, they are very proud of me now. They are also more organized and independent.”

Besides the hairstyling sessions, Nouf benefitted from other sessions such as childcare and business management. “I gained many financial skills through the sessions I attended. I am planning to start my own business, and those sessions will help me better plan my business spendings.”

Nouf recommended the programme to many friends and family members, wanting them to benefit as much as she did and start making changes in their lives. “Nothing is impossible; women should stop putting barriers for themselves that stop them from being the best version of themselves.”