A STORY TO TELL

The fun-loving Shaza Mawla tells us how we are empowering women and also visits her future plans (including captaining a ship).

A GOOD LAUGH

There is nothing to discover sooner about Shaza Mawla. As we join our Food Security and Livelihoods Assistant at North Lebanon office on a household visit just outside Akkar, the first impression is that she loves to have a laugh.

The undertaking gets more serious, but the smile- as she sits down to register a new beneficiary- doesn’t completely fade away.

‘’I am someone who loves a laugh,’’ Shaza says. ‘’I love life and hate depression. I wouldn’t spend my day sulking. There is a lot to be happy about.’’

EMPOWERED, PRODUCTIVE

Shaza has completed her mission and is ready to talk to us. Wearing a red Save the Children-branded vest and an equally radiant smile, she starts with telling us about the work she does for vulnerable women and mothers; how Save the Children is improving women’s realities in Lebanon.

‘’We mainly target women who don’t have a job. We develop their skills so they can become productive in their communities.

‘’For example, our last Home-Based Skills Development project was to train them to make dairy products. They marketed their produce and started their small business. It is one way for them to generate an income.

‘’It is very vital [support]. For ladies who are also the head of the household, it is important that they have a source of income to support their children, give them a healthy life and ensure they have a chance to go to school.

‘’I know that, by doing this job, we are defending those rights and empowering women to become more independent. They need our support to close the gaps and establish for equality. It is a huge issue in this country.

‘’Hopefully, we are making progress. It is a long-term vision that we would like to realise.’’

TREADING THE HUMANITARIAN PATH

Shaza joined Save the Children as a volunteer back in 2015 before she was offered a full-time role. She identifies love of adventure and risk-taking as a motivating factor in her early career.

She seems to have little regret.

‘’I enjoy working in the humanitarian field because you feel you are creating a change. When you empower those women, you are giving their children a better chance to live a healthy life and get a chance to learn.

‘’I joined here as a volunteer and went on to take a full-time opportunity. Two years on, I am still enjoying it. I was always prepared to take risks in my life. I can see myself doing something in emergency, hostile environments. When you take supporting the others as a career, you get totally immersed.’’

THE NAME OF CHOICE

We divert our talk to the personal and start discussing names. Does she know what her own means? ‘’Of course, I do. If you don’t know what your name means, then you have a problem [laughs].

‘’It means ‘pleasant scent.’’’

Shaza likes her name, but when asked what she would call herself if she had a choice, she says ‘’Gaiel, a Spanish name for Joy.’’

IRRESISTIBLE PASSION

Adventure is often associated with travel. For Shaza, the rule is well-observed. Her passion for travel has taken her far and wide.

‘’I have been to many places, mainly for tourism. My siblings live in France so I have been there once. I love Paris. It was incredible. I have also been to Germany, Italy and Turkey. I lived in Iraq for a while too. Jordan and Syria were also other places I have visited.’’

So if there was a plane waiting for her downstairs, where would she fly to?

‘’London.’’ She says instantly, with a giggle.

Where would she go first thing? ‘’I would walk on the streets. That’s enough already, isn’t it?’’

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Before we wrap up with our traditional trivia questions, we discuss future challenges and plans. Shaza, who has racollected throughout the interview, tells us about a plan to realise her ultimate dream.

‘’Life is full of them [challenges]. There are too many. I think finishing my studies is one of them. I am determined to do it. So that’s the aim, get my BA in English.

‘’I always wanted to be a teacher. It is the ultimate target.’’

The Food Security and Livelihoods team in North Lebanon

Interview and photos: Ahmed Bayram, Save the Children

)

Save the Children Lebanon

Written by

We save children’s lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfill their potential.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade