Amenah AlDawla, often referred to as Amira (Arabic for princess) by her mother, is a 39-year-old widowed mother of three children — two boys and a girl — residing in Rural Damascus. While dealing with the untimely loss of her husband, she embarked on an inspiring journey of entrepreneurship. Amenah's journey began from a dire necessity — the need for gluten-free food.

Celiac disease, commonly known as gluten allergy, is an immune reaction to gluten found in wheat, spelt, rye, and barley. It became a defining challenge within Amenah’s family, eventually contributing to her father’s passing. Though this condition is not widespread, studies suggest that gluten sensitivity affects approximately 0.5–6% of the global population. [1]

Fuelled by necessity and the scarcity of gluten-free foods, particularly bread - a food staple in Syria - Amenah taught herself the intricacies of celiac disease and gluten-free food preparation, crafting healthy alternatives for herself and her family. “There is only one company in Syria that makes gluten-free products, and they are very hard to come by,” said Amenah. “I remember being hungry when I had to work long hours and not being able to just pick up any sandwich or snack” she added.

Tragedy struck when her husband succumbed to a heart attack, casting Amenah into an abyss of grief. It was during this challenging period that she stumbled upon UNDP's initiative on Facebook. “I had to quit my dream job in the UAE and come back to Syria when my husband passed. My entire life was turned upside-down. I suddenly became the sole provider for my three children. Finding the announcement felt like I have found a lifeline of hope to save me from the upheaval in my life” she said.