JINHA

DÊRIK – In the Rojava village of Banê Qesrê, local woman Letife Xelef has started her own bread business and says that women can develop their own economic independence.

Letife Xelef, 35, comes from an Arab family in the village of Banê Qesrê, located in Rojava’s Cizîr Canton. Ten years ago, Letife moved to the city of Raqqa due to economic problems. However, when Daesh attacked Raqqa, Letife was forced to return to Banê Qesrê. While Letife’s husband works in a company, she has begun baking flatbread in order to secure her economic independence.

“Work is dignity,” said Letife, who supplies bread to the entire village. She explained that she has dedicated a special area of the house to bread production and traveled to the nearby city of Dêrik for supplies. Her children help by gathering wood.

“Women can develop their own economy,” said Letife. “All they need to do is trust in themselves.”

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