Iraq – Difficult living conditions force women to work as vendors

Location: Baghdad – Iraq

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:04:07

Sound: natural

Source: A24 in Baghdad

Restrictions: A24 subscribers

Date: 28/08/ 2022

Storyline:

Difficult economic conditions in Iraq have forced many women, who have no one to provide for them, to work to make a living and improve their living conditions. Siham Ahmed, 53, is one of the women facing hardships that forced her to work as a vendor on the sidewalk of Al-Mutanabbi Street in central Baghdad to support her family. Siham told A24 that she used to sell books in a library as a living in order to pay for the electricity bills and rent but the work became too tiring. She told A24 she spends her day watching passersby, hoping they would buy from her stall, so she can make her children happy with the money she earned.

Shotlist:

– Soundbite (Siham Ahmed – 53 years old):

“My name is Siham, born in 1969. Since I couldn’t find work, I decided to open this stall in Al-Mutanabbi Street to support myself as I have no source of income or anyone to provide for me. I worked in a library for almost 7 years but quit because work became tiring. I wake up in the morning, have breakfast, get changed, go shopping, and then I go to Al-Mutanabbi Street to run my stall from five in the afternoon until eleven at night. This is my life on a daily basis. Some benefactors helped me set up this stall to support myself. Thankfully, I make enough to pay the rent and electricity bills. I am alone, there is no one to help me financially so I am living in very difficult conditions.”

– Soundbite (Hijran – Siham’s colleague)

“Ever since I started working in Al-Mutanabbi Street, I could tell Siham was a good person. She always helps those in need. I hope to see her work somewhere big like a commercial complex. Whenever Siham sees us tired, she gives us water and sweets for free. I love her like she is my own sister.”