SYRIA: First female barber in Zalin breaking down social barriers
ZALIN ܙܐܠܝܢ (QAMISHLI), Syria – Syrian society, especially in North and East Syria, is witnessing a revolution in women’s role in society and their access to employment. Types of work and social and political roles once restricted to men have steadily opened to women.
Zalin (Qamishli)-based SuroyoFM, the first Syriac radio station dedicated to highlighting issues faced by Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) people, interviewed Amy Mousa, a young woman from Zalin, who decided to take on the profession of men’s barber in what is a first for the profession in Zalin.
Mousa, an ambitious 17-year-old, wanted to accomplish her dream of working in a field that is dominated by men in Middle Eastern societies, even in the increasingly progressive Gozarto (Jazira) Region of North and East Syria.
Determined to achieve her goals, Mousa insisted on joining a training course to master the craft, despite the criticism that she would certainly face.
“When I proposed the idea to my family and friends, they encouraged me to do what I want and what I like,” said Mousa. “I will neither think of people’s opinion nor their criticism, because I am confident and want to break the usual stereotype of women’s professions.”
“I live a normal life like any girl of my age,” Mousa concluded. “I am currently a men’s barber and I am happy with that.”