A Charitable Brunch in Damascus in support of women

On the occasion of Women’s International Day, the ladies of the Syrian Diplomatic Club “Dcos” organized a charitable brunch on Tuesday with the participation of businesswomen, wives of ambassadors, consulates, and diplomats at the “Sheraton” Hotel in Damascus with the aim of sponsoring women’s affairs.

Honorary president of the club Mrs. Shukria Al-Mikdad, the wife of Faisal Al-Mikdad,  the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said to the “Syriatimes” e-news paper: “On the occasion of the international Women’s day, we [the diplomatic club in Syria] have decided to hold this activity to support some women in Damascus and its countryside economically and to empower women with the aim of  enhancing their skills as they  need to have a work to support their families”.

“This war was the reason behind the fact that the Syrian women have to shoulder an even greater responsibility towards their houses and children,  and I hope this activity will meet its goals by helping women achieve their aspirations and living a decent life” Mrs. Mikdad added.

Radyanti Fauzi, the wife of the Indonesian ambassador and a member of the Diplomatic Club said to the “Syriatimes”: “The club is committed to helping Syrian women, elderly and children that are in need. This year we aim to help women associations that aim to encourage and enhance women’s empowerment to acquire expertise and ability to economically independent and help themselves and their family.

 “Today’s brunch is to raise funds for the benefits of the Libiladi Association and Mother Nation Association. Our next project, we hope that we will not only help associations in Damascus but also in other cities like Homs, Hama, Aleppo and so on” Mrs. Radyanti added

 For her part ,Leen Shawi, Executive Officer of the Diplomatic Club  told us: “We annually hold this event and its revenues go to one of the charitable associations . This year the donation will go to associations that help empower women and support their projects”.

The same idea was echoed by Nadia Rostum, the Public Relations officer at the Diplomatic Club, who said: “The Diplomatic Club holds charitable parties, bazaars and breakfasts every year to collect sums of money for charity associations.”

Mrs. Roula Shawaf, from the “Al Maraa Al Omah” association [The Mother Nation] said that the association has many activities including training courses for women and empowering them, illiteracy programs, and health advice and campaigns.

Dr. Ruba Mirza, the president of the board of directors of the “Libladi” Association [For my Country Association] affirmed that the association seeks to care for the Syrian families through strengthening the Syrian cultural identity among members of society, especially women and young people, sponsoring creativity and innovators.

Interviewed and photos by : Nada Haj Khidr