Azaz, Syria – With quick, confident steps and a big smile, Shaima Hilal walks through the streets of Azaz in the countryside north of Aleppo, stopping every few seconds to greet people.
This young woman, who came to town four years ago, quickly became popular.
She is known to many not only for her humanitarian work, including psychological support, case management, and helping orphans, but also as a well-respected and charismatic figure.
Shaima, 33, has overcome all the vulnerabilities that can arise in a conservative society. She is a war-displaced woman, the sole breadwinner of her family, and lives with a disability.
She is a university student, a humanitarian activist, and an aspiring entrepreneur.
What is a disability?
“I belong to the 'disabled' category, but I don't feel that way,” Shaima told Al Jazeera.
She was born without her right femur, but learned to walk with crutches at the age of three and always sat with them nearby.
Losing a limb has not slowed her down, making it virtually impossible for Shaima to notice it when she walks down the street.
“When I was young, I could climb faster and faster than other kids. I never felt like I was facing any challenges or difficulties.”
Although Shaima has adapted to living with a disability, she is well aware of how difficult it is to live with a disability in Syria, where 30 percent of the population is over the age of 12, according to United Nations estimates. There is.
So she chose to study “Special Education”, the field of education for people with disabilities, as soon as it became available at the University of Aleppo.
Shaima, who had to quit school due to the outbreak of the Syrian war, said, “I never thought I would be able to go back to school 13 years after dropping out,'' adding that she is determined to obtain qualifications and work to provide support. . people.
Growing up at home, Shaima's parents treated her like any other girl her age and never made her feel less capable than other children.
“I never say something can't be done, and I never say anything is impossible.”
During Syria's 13-year war, hundreds of thousands of people were injured, and the number of disabled people in Syria has increased to twice the global average.
Shaima's younger brother Muhammad, 20, was also injured in an air raid in 2016, leaving his lower legs paralyzed.
Shaima spends a lot of time talking with Muhammad, discussing options on how he can achieve his goals and continue living a fulfilling life.
“I [still] I'm trying to help my younger brother Muhammad overcome his obstacles,” said Shaima, adding that although the shock was great for her younger brother, he bounced back and started learning computer-based design, even though he dropped out of elementary school. added.
It suits you
Through her work with the Violet Organization, an NGO that supports education and development, Shaima visits refugee camps to assess children's needs, help them express themselves and overcome obstacles.
Her bright presence and spirit helped her lead activities for children, standing in the midst of children forced to grow up early by war, displacement, and poverty, making them smile for a while. give.
Shaima is always encouraged when she hears stories from people she has been able to help. One woman named her daughter after her own and told her Shaima that she wanted her daughter to be as loving and charitable as she was.
“It had a big impact on me,” Shaima said with a shy smile.
In addition to her volunteer work and studies, Shaima is an entrepreneur who runs a shop that sells rainbow-colored hijabs arranged in bright groups along the walls.
She hung a sign above the door that read the store's name, “Birbaklik” (This Looks Good on You), and below it she enthusiastically wrote “Great Hijab.”
“The store has been my dream since I was little. When I got the lease, I was overwhelmed with joy,” Shaima said proudly.
Shaima doesn't consider her accomplishments to be anything special. As far as she is concerned, she works and studies like many young people in the North West.
She also credits the support her family has provided for her success so far. She especially feels that her father, who passed away last year, has always been with her and continues to encourage her to this day.
Shaima is committed to turning her small store into a brand, even if it's in the distant future, and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“In my opinion, a woman should not stop at a certain limit, but rather start with what she can and keep dreaming, and with each dream she achieves, she raises the ceiling of her ambitions higher and higher. It has to be.”
