After launching on International Women’s Day in 2023, Jam Sisters is an initiative that is supporting a small group of female Syrian refugees so they can become financially independent by making jams from local fruits and ingredients.
As an extension of our existing ‘Sisters’ programming, Jam Sisters is a viable food income generation opportunity, while also improving awareness of climate adaptation.
The project has seen us provide and equip a dedicated 'Jam Factory', where the participants are now making and selling jams from products such as figs, apples, cherries and apricots, and selling them to local markets and the community. The self-led initiative means they are given the tools required to manage the business themselves and retain all profits to support their families.
Prior to beginning production, the women received professional business management and skills training, providing them with the knowledge and understanding needed to run a successful business. The initial group of women are also receiving financial and logistic support for the first five months, while linkages with external markets are being created.
As well as providing this much-needed livelihoods opportunity, the project includes psychosocial support, and it is hoped that by enabling women to become financially independent, they will be less prone to suffering gender-based violence and discrimination.
This pilot project has been launched in partnership with The Big Heart Foundation, but we are already planning to extend it further.