LocationsEmpowered Dreams: A Journey of Strength and Success
February 21, 2025
Amina, Zeri, and Khalida were not just entrepreneurs—they were resilient women who had faced profound social and economic challenges before realizing their dreams. In Sinuni, a town where opportunities for women were historically limited, the idea of launching a women’s fitness project seemed like an impossible dream. These three women encountered numerous barriers, from societal constraints that often rejected women's participation in both sports and business management, to technical, administrative, and financial hurdles that made implementing their project seem insurmountable.
Before joining the "Community Security and Integration (CSIP)" project, they lacked not only practical training in business management but also had little knowledge of key areas such as financial planning, marketing, and the essential skills for running a sustainable initiative. They also faced severe financial limitations, struggling to secure the funds necessary to purchase equipment and create a suitable environment for women’s fitness activities. Despite these immense challenges, they never abandoned their ambition to make a difference.
Thanks to the vocational training program offered by the Aid Gate Organization in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the generous support of the Government of Denmark, they were granted a golden opportunity to acquire crucial skills—not only in fitness training but also in small business management, negotiation, and effective communication within the local community. This support did more than help them overcome obstacles; it instilled in them the confidence to launch the first-ever women-only gym in Sinuni, coupled with a shop dedicated to selling sports gear and equipment.
Today, their gym stands as more than just a fitness space; it has become a symbol of women’s empowerment, sparking a shift in societal perceptions of women’s roles in the economy. Their success has inspired others and opened doors to dreams beyond Sinuni. Amina, Zeri, and Khalida now aim to expand their project to new areas, spreading a message of strength, health, and solidarity among the women of their community.
They reflect on their journey, saying: "Before joining the project, we didn’t know how to run a business or create a financial plan. The training we received truly transformed everything. We faced many challenges, especially regarding society’s acceptance of a women-only gym, but with the support of the project, we managed to overcome them. Not only did we learn fitness skills, but we also gained expertise in negotiation, community engagement, and business management. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sessions were crucial in building our confidence and helping us manage stress, making us more resilient and determined. With the financial support and equipment provided by the project, we were able to turn our idea into reality and achieve financial independence. This experience has shown us—and others—that women can achieve their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face."