Women reclaiming their future in Syria
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“I May Not Have Legs, but I Have a Brain”: How One Woman Reclaimed Her Future
At 32 years old, Nyagai carries many identities—she is a mother of four, a woman living with a physical disability, and today, a small business owner. For years, however, her life was defined by struggle.
Nyaga, displaying some of the products she made at the Women and Girls' Friendly Space Mangateen.
Without the use of her legs and without access to a wheelchair, even the simplest daily tasks were exhausting. Movement was difficult, independence felt out of reach, and opportunities were limited. Beyond her physical challenges, Nyagai endured emotional abuse and economic violence, leaving her uncertain about how she would provide for her children or secure their future.
“I used to wonder how my children would survive,” she recalls. “I felt dependent, powerless, and forgotten.”
In 2025, a conversation with a friend led Nyagai to take a step that would change her life. She joined the Women and Girls Friendly Group Sessions (WGFGS) in Mangatten, a programme designed to support women affected by violence and vulnerability. For Nyagai, it marked the beginning of healing.
Through the programme, she completed a full cycle of Psychosocial Support (PSS). In a safe and supportive space, she began to process her experiences, rebuild her confidence, and reconnect with a sense of self-worth that had long been eroded.
Following the PSS sessions, Nyagai enrolled in life skills training, where she learned hairdressing and handcraft production—specialising in handmade women’s handbags. She received start-up materials, including beads and weaving supplies, allowing her to begin practising from home.
Today, Nyagai runs a modest but growing business. From her home, she plaits women’s hair and sells handmade handbags displayed neatly on a table in front of her desk. What once felt impossible is now her daily reality: earning an income, supporting her household, and planning for the future.
With her earnings, Nyagai has enrolled her children in school and contributes meaningfully to their well-being. More importantly, she has reclaimed her sense of dignity and independence.
“I may not have legs, but I have a brain,” she says with pride. “I am empowered now. I am no longer dependent—I am a provider and a supporter.”
Nyagai’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. Within her community, she has become a source of inspiration—particularly for women living with disabilities or those experiencing violence. Her story has encouraged others to enrol in life skills activities and believe that change is possible.
Nyagai’s journey is a powerful reminder that when women are given the right support, safe spaces, and practical skills, they can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Empowerment, she shows, is not about charity—it is about opportunity. And when opportunity is paired with determination, it can change not only one life, but an entire community.
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