The women and girls we support come from diverse sectors, ethnic groups and backgrounds, and we strive to recognise key cultural events and holidays. We believe it is vital to respect family traditions, friendship, hospitality and community events – such as Ramadan.
Occurring once a year and as prescribed by Islam, adult Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, if their health permits. After the sun sets, the day-long fast is broken by Iftar, the evening meal usually shared with family or other community members. With many displaced people residing in camps, it can be a hard time of year for those who celebrate Ramadan as they are away from their home and family members. In collaboration with our partners, we have previously hosted an Iftar meal for Muslim and Yezidi women, serving as an integration platform between the two communities. Regardless of background, sharing holiday meals and the traditions surrounding them builds friendship, community and a sisterhood. It is also a peacebuilding process, which fosters religious and cultural understanding.
Additionally, in recent years we have raised funds around Ramadan so that mothers can buy their children celebratory outfits for Eid – which marks the end of the holy period. Over the past two years we have been able to take hundreds of children from three camps on shopping trips to choose their own special clothing, footwear and accessories.
CASE STUDY
Nareeman, pictured with her three children, was one of the women we reached through one of our successful Ramadan campaigns. A Syrian refugee and single mother, she heartbreakingly lost her husband to a heart attack many years ago, and has since been trying to raise her children in the best way she can. Our appeal enabled Nareeman to buy her children Eid outfits to celebrate the end of Ramadan, putting a big smile on their faces.