From Where I Stand: "My ultimate dream is to develop my own factory, and I envision all the women I have trained joining me in this venture, working together to create a thriving business "

Interviewer: Mahmudul Karim

Kinda Abu Quderi, a 52-year-old Jordanian from Karak, lives with her mother and supports her family financially. She runs an independent tailoring project and is a trainer at the Karak Oasis Centre. Kinda shared her experiences with the UN Women’s Oasis programme and its financial literacy training component. This specific initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Central Bank of Jordan, the Expert Bankers Association, the Association of Banks in Jordan, and the Social Security Corporation, with support from the EU Regional “Madad” Programme and seeks to enhance women’s financial literacy and access to financial services.

I first heard about the Oasis Centre through various channels, including the Ministry of Social Development's social media page and our community WhatsApp group. After I registered and was approved to work as a trainer, my background in the clothing industry came into play. My experience at the Oasis Centre has been transformational, boosting my confidence and enhancing my ability to support my family through the diverse skills I've acquired.

Reflecting on my initial visit to the centre, I see a stark contrast in myself. My confidence and self-esteem have soared, and seeing my students supporting their families with the tailoring skills they learned here is incredibly fulfilling. Being a part of their empowerment journey fills me with pride.

I encourage every woman in my neighborhood to explore the opportunities at the Oasis Centre. The center offers various benefits, including sessions on gender equality and protection that empower women and provide them with skills to secure financial independence later. These initiatives are vital for advancing women's roles in society. For instance, despite battling cancer, one of my students continued her studies at the center, driven by its transformative impact on her life. She now holds a respected position in our community.

When I started my own tailoring project, resources were scarce. I ventured into the garment industrial area to source pre-consumer waste as raw materials, turning them into recycled products and adding embroidery to enhance their value. Although my rural area has limited resources, making it challenging to obtain materials and market my products, I persist through the difficulties. Each setback is a stepping stone to rise again.

The financial literacy training at the Oasis Centre opened new horizons for me. Learning about the central bank's role and the services provided by various financial institutions has been enlightening. With a better grasp of interest rates and loan services, I can make informed decisions about expanding my business.

I am eager to share this financial knowledge with my family and community, stressing the importance of engaging with reputable financial services over unlicensed providers. My ultimate dream is to develop my own factory, and I envision all the women I have trained joining me in this venture, working together to create a thriving business." she shared.

Since 2012, UN Women has established 22 centres across Jordan to provide Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women with safe, inclusive spaces. The Oasis centres have provided crucial cash-for-work, skill development, and early childhood services to more than 30,000 people, including many women with disabilities. The initiative focuses on addressing gender barriers, promoting economic empowerment, and enhancing protection against gender-based violence.