In the heart of Mogadishu, Ayaan, a widowed mother of four, struggled to provide for her children. With no steady income and little access to resources, she faced daily challenges just to put food on the table. Like many women in Somalia, Ayaan had limited opportunities to secure a stable livelihood.

This changed when she became part of PASOS’ Women’s Livelihood Support Program. The program provided her with training in tailoring, along with a startup kit that included a sewing machine and fabric. With the skills she gained, Ayaan started her own small business making clothes for local customers.

Within months, her business flourished. She was able to send her children to school and cover their medical expenses. She even trained other women in her neighborhood, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. Today, Ayaan is not just a businesswoman — she is a role model, proving that with the right support, women can overcome adversity and build a better future for their families.

PASOS continues to support women like Ayaan, helping them gain financial independence and contribute to their communities.