The good witch

“For four weeks during Friday prayers my name was broadcast through the loudspeakers of the village mosques,” she says, breaking down. “They said that I was an evil witch who seduces women and children.” But these terrible events did not affect Salma’s strength.

“I started working on my own project, establishing the first charity in the village to help residents, especially women and children. My village suffers from several problems, including the rape of children, an increase in domestic violence and the prevention of women from having an education, as well as early marriage. This led me to start my charity.”

Salma’s charity had funding problems, so she thought instead of doing her own project and setting up a children’s park, but the budget was not enough to implement the project.

“Then, through volunteering with the Yemen Women Union, I heard about a programme supported by CARE International, funded by UNFPA. It is a women’s economic empowerment project which enables women to set up their own small businesses. I went home and talked to my parents and my mother and I decided to apply.”

“I went to register with my father the next day and luckily we were accepted. We had to do a training, which was good although there were some things that were difficult for me to understand. But I always knew I was not alone – I have the support of my mother and father. CARE also told us they will keep giving us trainings and will be there to support and help us along the way.”

After obtaining the funding, she bought children’s toys and purchased the garden floor, and this garden became the village children’s paradise, protecting them from danger.

“The villagers used to call her the evil witch, but now she’s a good witch who helps children and women in the village,” said the village head.

Many residents of the village benefitted from Salma’s projects through awareness-raising activities, training, economic empowerment and a children’s garden. Now, she makes a good income and is able to support her family. Her sons are able to go to school as she can pay for their transportation costs.

Salma the witch used her magic and changed the village into paradise. She is now completing her university studies.

“Thank you CARE for supporting me and helping me to achieve my dreams,” says Salma, the good witch.