There are currently 1.5 million Syrian people living as refugees in Lebanon. Having fled violent atrocities at home, they now face new challenges in an unfamiliar country: families have been torn apart, living conditions are poor, and opportunities for income are scarce. However, one Syrian woman is fighting the odds, running a successful business next to the tented settlement where she lives.
Bushra has been living in Lebanon for around eight years, five of which have been in a tented settlement with her two children, 11-year-old Nadia* and seven-year-old Abdul*, and her mum Dalia*. Her husband is still in Syria, meaning she is the sole breadwinner for her family.
“It is difficult being a refugee in a new country,” she said. “You are so used to having your whole family around you, and then suddenly things change. You are on your own – with no husband to support you. It’s really hard when you find yourself the one responsible for caring for your family in a new country, living in a tent.”
Bushra has been supporting her family by skilfully running a business for the past year.