Celebrating refugee mothers: "My children know that I work for them"

Over 90% of the artisans we work with around the world are women, and most of them are mothers. Artisan work offers these mothers a dignified livelihood with the flexibility they need to care for their children. In a refugee setting, this is one of the most powerful opportunities a mother can have to build brighter futures for her children.

We're proud to share two short interviews with refugee mothers that are working expressly to provide for their children and, in so doing, revealing their own resilience, determination and dedication. 

Meet 'Z', mother of 7, originally from Afghanistan

Z, who asked us not to use her full name, fled Afghanistan with her parents when she was a girl. She has 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls that range from 22 to 5 years old. Z specialises in embroidery and works with our social enterprise partner Pomegranate Seeds, based in Quetta, Pakistan. 

In what ways has becoming a mother changed your life?

Motherhood has drastically changed my life. Ever since I became a mother my life revolves around my children.

How do you balance artisan work and motherhood?

I wake up early in the morning and do the cleaning and cooking. Once my husband and eldest son leave for work and the younger ones go to the nearby school I start doing embroidery. Sometimes my neighbours also join me and we have a nice time chatting and doing embroidery.

My children know that I work for them, they know that whatever I earn, I spend it on their food.

Is artisan work allowing you to build a brighter future for your children?

The artisan work allows me to earn alongside my husband. It is good that I can work and earn from home unlike some of my relatives who are either not earning or became domestic helpers for the host community. Knowing that I will recieve work all year round gives me a sense of protection for my family.

Meet Helin, mother of three, originally from Syria

Helin, 35, is originally from Syria but fled the war, seeking safety in Turkey. Helin has three kids, ages 8, 5 and 3 months. Helin has found work doing crochet with our social enterprise partner Oesterland. 

In what ways has becoming a mother changed your life?

I became a much calmer person after becoming a mother. My priorities have changed a lot after becoming a mother. When I have to make a decision, I think much more thoroughly about the it, because it has consequences for the whole family. It was much different before I became a mother. I was able to take much faster decisions. I am also much more practical now after becoming a mother.

How do you balance artisan work and motherhood?

When I got my first child, I thought a lot about starting artisanal work. I couldn't accept just to sit at home and take care of my kids. My very first artisanal work was to sew dresses with beads on it. Then I started attending some other courses and started knitting toys. And now I am working with Oesterland doing crocheted jewellers. I am able to buy what my kids want with my own money and that gives me a lot of self confidence. I am also thinking about our kids future and how I can contribute to them having a bright future.

Is artisan work allowing you to build a brighter future for your children?

It is very difficult to balance artisanal work with three kids. Early noon is when I work most on my artisanal work while my kids are at school. My kids sleep quite early, so I am also able to work when they are sleeping. When I have an urgent deadline with an order, my husband is also helping taking care of the kids.

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Women like Helin and Z are not only inspiring - they are at the heart of what MADE51 is all about. One of the most impactful ways to transform society is to uplift mothers as they raise the next generations, which is why we're especially proud to bring livelihoods opportunities to refugee mothers around the world, helping them build brighter futures for themselves and their children.