“Afaf’s Journey: From Survival to Success through Japan and UNIDO’s Dairy Training Programme”

is a mother of five. For nearly two decades, she and her husband, a policeman, have raised their children, the eldest now 18 and the youngest just two. Their lives were once characterized by challenges but remained stable—until the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) stormed their village.

"During the time when ISIS entered the village, we were living in harsh conditions," Afaf recalls. "Because my husband was a policeman, it became too dangerous for us to stay. We had no choice but to leave with the rest of the villagers, hiding wherever we could." Eventually, they fled to the Khazer Camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), where they would spend the next chapter of their lives, uncertain of what lay ahead.

After a few years, Afaf found a way to regain her footing and contribute to their household expenses through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project. UNIDO, with funding from the Japanese government, provided a training programme on dairy production in her village. She joined 27 other women, all eager to learn new skills and provide for their families. The training focused on dairy production, professional hygiene, and food safety. The training programme also introduced the women to entrepreneurship and how to start and manage their own businesses. Afaf found herself learning about marketing and budgeting, skills that opened her eyes to the possibilities of growing her small dairy business.

In addition to the training, Afaf received essential tools for dairy production, including a butter extractor, stainless steel pots, plastic containers, a scale, thermometer, and even a small gas stove. "Obtaining these tools helped me a lot to start my work again in dairy production and sales," Afaf said proudly. "It wasn’t just about the equipment, though. The information I received was valuable in developing my work and increasing my sales."

Despite the modest size of her home, Afaf was determined to make space for her growing business. She set up a small corner dedicated to her work, a place where she could focus on her dairy production without interruption. Afaf also raised cows and turned the milk into yogurt and cheese, which she now sells at the local market.

Her children became an integral part of the process by helping her with specific tasks. "After I received the tools from UNIDO, I encouraged my children to participate in the work," she explained. "Everyone has their role, and together, we are able to produce more." For Afaf, involving her children wasn’t just about efficiency, it was about teaching them the value of hard work and self-reliance.

"At a time when my husband provided a majority of the family’s expenses, I was determined to have a role as well," Afaf reflected. "I aspired to the best for my family." Though she regretted not being able to complete her studies due to difficult circumstances, she remains optimistic. "That doesn’t prevent us from thinking about other methods and ways of success," she explained with determination.

Currently managing a flourishing dairy business and aiming for future endeavours, Afaf looks ahead with hope for both her family and herself. "I look forward to opening other ventures in addition to my work in dairy products," she said, smiling. "I hope to succeed in that too."