Rawan: A Woman Entrepreneur Living Her Dreams Beyond Disability
Rawan: A Woman Entrepreneur Living Her Dreams Beyond Disability
December 3, 2024 | Navar Maarri
Rawan is a 31-year-old entrepreneur who moved to Türkiye from Syria 12 years ago due to the war. At the time, she had just graduated from high school and dreamed of studying English translation. However, the instability of displacement forced her to put her education on hold for five years.
Born with a condition that affects her joints and limits her mobility, Rawan uses a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, she has shown remarkable determination to rebuild her life. She eventually found a way to continue her education through a virtual university and is now close to graduating with a degree in business administration. Along the way, she discovered her passion for graphic design and video editing, skills she taught herself and now uses to run her own online business.
Rawan manages her business entirely online, marketing her services through social media. Recently, she has started sharing her skills with other young women by offering training in graphic design and video editing at a local center in Reyhanlı.
“My parents have always been my biggest supporters. Their strength gave me the foundation I needed to overcome challenges and keep going.” Rawan shares.
Living with a disability, Rawan has faced numerous barriers, particularly when it comes to accessibility. Buildings without ramps or elevators, coupled with a lack of inclusive infrastructure in her community, make mobility difficult. These challenges are even more pronounced in a region like Hatay, where recovery from the earthquake remains ongoing.
“Access is one of the biggest challenges for people with disabilities. It’s not just about physical barriers; it’s about creating an inclusive mindset. With so many people affected by war or disasters, it’s time to build communities that embrace everyone.”
Recently, Rawan joined the program for empowering women entrepreneurs, organized by Building Markets. She hopes the training and mentorship she has received will help her develop her business further and achieve her dream of expanding her work.
“My dream is to grow my business and hire others like me—people who need a chance to show what they can do.”
