For many women displaced by conflict, the path to recovery is not just about safety—it’s about reclaiming dignity, identity and hope. In Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen, women who have lost homes, loved ones and livelihoods have found a new sense of strength thanks to International Medical Corps programmes. Our teams walk alongside them, making those first few steps toward self-reliance possible. By offering skills-based training, emotional support and economic empowerment programmes designed to fit the unique needs of those who need these programmes most, we help these women move from relief to self-reliance.
Sara’s Source of Income
After fleeing Afghanistan due to escalating violence in their region, Sara,* her husband and two children were able to move to an Afghan refugee village in Pakistan. Their journey was marked by harsh weather, food insecurity and the constant fear and uncertainty that come with displacement. Sadly, their story is far from unique—more than 1.35 million registered Afghan refugees live in Pakistan. However, when Sara enrolled in an International Medical Corps tailoring course, her life began to change.
With each stitch she learned, she began to rebuild not just her livelihood, but her sense of purpose. Equipped with a startup kit, she began earning income by sewing school uniforms—an achievement that brought both pride and stability to her family. Her husband, who participated in International Medical Corps’ economic and social empowerment (EA$E) sessions, became more supportive at home, helping with childcare and household responsibilities. EA$E sessions help households move to shared decision-making, where women have more control over the household’s finances, a necessary step to ensure sustainable change.
Today, Sara runs a home-based business and teaches other women in her community, becoming a beacon of hope for women in her situation in Pakistan. Though the tailoring programme has ended, the lessons she learned—both technical and social—will continue to pay dividends for years to come.
Read more about these women’s stories: Tailoring Brings Financial Freedom to Women in Pakistan.
Mona Receives Cash Support
In Yemen, Mona’s life was shattered by war and the loss of her husband. Left to care for six children on her own, she faced unimaginable hardship, struggling to meet their most basic needs. Her story echoes that of more than 17 million Yemenis grappling with severe food insecurity.
However, when Mona enrolled in a financial support programme through International Medical Corps, she began to dream again. She used the funds she received to buy two goats—a small but powerful investment—and for the first time, Mona could think beyond daily survival. She began planning, considering how to grow her livestock and provide long-term stability for her family.
Mona’s story is a testament to how cash assistance can restore dignity and hope. With her new income, Mona can feed her children, save for emergencies and imagine a better life. Her journey is a shift from crisis response to long-term recovery.
Read more stories about our cash assistance programme in Yemen: How Do You Help Hungry Yemeni Families? You Give Mothers Cash.
Sewing Brings Atya Prosperity
After armed men stormed her house and threatened her life, Atya Muhamed fled her home in Hasaka, Syria—and her life changed forever. She and her mother escaped to Domiz 1 refugee camp in Iraq, where the long road to healing and rebuilding began. At the camp, Atya joined a tailoring course offered by International Medical Corps. The skills she learned became her lifeline.
Tailoring gave Atya a way to earn income, regain her confidence and contribute to her community. In 2024, the percentage of women in the labour force in Iraq was only 10.8%, while for men it was 72%. Against this backdrop, Atya’s ability to participate in economic life was transformative. She can now support herself by making and selling clothes—proving that, even in displacement, women can find purpose and pride.
Though we recently concluded our operations in Iraq, the impact of our programmes continues. Women like Atya now have the skills to support themselves and mentor others. These stories demonstrate how focusing on a community’s transition from emergency relief to self-reliance makes their prosperity sustainable.
Read more stories of women in Iraq: Meet the Seamstresses of Iraq’s Biggest Refugee Camp.
International Medical Corps works to ensure that recovery is not temporary. We lay the foundation for lasting independence and dignity. Whether through tailoring, livestock or other livelihood programmes, our dedicated teams worldwide ensure that the people they help have the tools to build a brighter future. You can help by supporting our work today.
*Not her real name