Bebemoss: Creating opportunities for Syrian refugee mothers

Originally from France, Izabela Ersahin started Bebemoss after realising how excluded mothers were from the workplace in Türkiye. Now, they give mothers, including refugees from Syria, the opportunity for dignified work supporting their families and earning a fair wage. Bebemoss keyrings, brooches and toys are hand crocheted with embroidered detailing, enabling the women to continue practising their craft.

"In our workshop, we create a safe space for refugee mothers, fostering micro-communities and development initiatives, where we ensure a holistic approach to empowerment.” Izabela explains. 

“Training and gatherings create a unifying space where differences fade, and the common ground becomes being women and mothers together, striving for a better future. I spend a lot of time with artisans, educating myself on their culture and heritage. We involve them in creating and sharing meals and time, fostering a deep connection. Their experiences become the essence of our brand.”

Meet one of the Bebemoss refugee artisans, Buthania

Before the crisis hit, Buthania was a schoolteacher in northern Syria with five children, a lovely house and a secure life. Since fleeing to Türkiye as a refugee, Buthania has been able to continue working as a teacher for Syrian students. But for the majority of women who don’t have university certificates, finding work is impossible. Buthania decided to do something about it: she set up a workshop to help women learn new skills (including Syrian embroidery), find work, and learn about their rights as refugees. Buthania and her team have found opportunities for more than 1,350 women in their community.

How and where did you learn the traditional Syrian embroidery techniques?

I learned the first stages of traditional Syrian embroidery from my talented mother when I was just 15 - since then I had the desire to learn everything about it. In Syria, there is a women’s union that provides courses for young girls to learn embroidery, which I went back to when I was older. Then, when I came to Türkiye, I continued to improve my talent through an organisation here.

Do you include cultural stories or traditions in your embroidery?

We put our culture, traditions and colours into the work – it tells our stories and shares our hopes. Something as simple as stitching a Damascus flower onto a blanket symbolises our country, life, customs, and traditions in its threads.

How does your work connect you to the culture of Syria?

Through needlework, we can connect with Syrian culture wherever we are in the world. The circles, the triangles, the lines, they’re all recognisable as ours. Last week, I did a lot of needlework of a white flower, which reminds me of the white flower in Syria. I felt connected.

As Izabela explains, “Each product sold means a living wage for the artisan, economic independence, and a better life for their children - the impact is tangible. Positive effects include women empowerment, increased self-esteem, and regained social interaction.”

Shop Bebemoss designs here, or shop our whole range of Mother’s Day gifts here.