A social safety net for Syrian women
When a newly arrived Syrian refugee had a miscarriage, she sought help on the Facebook page Syrian Ladies of Montreal — and dozens of people jumped in with advice and offers to go with her to the hospital.
When another new immigrant needed work, others volunteered suggestions, and a job was found.
Those are just some of the effects of a Facebook group created to reflect the interests and needs of female Syrian immigrants.
The Syrian Ladies of Montreal page, created in 2015, has about 4,500 followers.
It has featured a wide range of topics, including how to start a business, how to find a school for your children, how to get job training — even where to get a good facial.
The page, which is in a mix of Arabic, French and English, was created to help new arrivals, especially women, integrate successfully into Canadian society, Maria Haddad said.
“When I came to Montreal, I had relatives, but nonetheless, I faced difficulties finding answers to so many questions,” said Haddad, who arrived as a refugee in 2013. “So I thought of starting a Facebook group where we can exchange ideas and experiences.”
Haddad worked with four other women of Syrian origin, Rita Mansourati, Rim Koriel, Georgette Ghunem and Miray Hakimeh, to set up the page. All five administer the group and keep the discussion focused on integrating newcomers who have arrived in Canada after the destructive war in Syria.
So political or religious discussions and selling furniture are not allowed, but posts about donations, and information about new Syrian businesses are welcome. Membership is limited to those living in, or in the process of coming to, the Montreal area.
The members ask questions on topics ranging from language courses and immigration matters to writing a legal will, obtaining professional certification, buying a métro pass and studying for citizenship exams.
“Our goal is to empower Syrian women in Montreal in general, and especially those who have newly arrived,” Koriel said. “In fact, we are not helping women alone, we are helping their husbands, brothers, children and families, but it is coming through the women.
“Many of those who get jobs through us are males, but we are helping women also by showing them how to start their own businesses.”
Koriel said most of the Syrians who come to Montreal are well educated, but need some help in finding their way around. Some women are shy to talk to men or ask them about certain issues.
“So we thought keeping the group limited to women would boost the atmosphere of openness, and it did. Women talk about anything and everything. They pose even private questions about doctors and health issues.
“I wish I had this kind of help when I arrived here a decade ago. And I am happy that I am helping make it easy for someone else.”
The founders of the Facebook page say its main success has been in helping members find jobs. It has connected dozens of Syrian jobseekers with Syrian-Canadian and other employers, and pointed out government incentives for those who hire new immigrants.
One example: Restaurant Beroya, a new Syrian restaurant in Laval, hired about 30 Syrian immigrants to work in the restaurant.
Mansourati, who has about 14,500 LinkedIn connections, has used her account to bring together employers with potential employees.
“It is an extremely rewarding experience to feel that you are helping people find jobs,” Mansourati said. “This is the starting point for a new life.”
Educational information and professional accreditation are also important issues, she said. “So many newcomers do not know that they can do a short-term course of six months or a year that would qualify them to do many jobs such as pharmaceutical assistant or administrative jobs.
“So we collaborated with a college in Laval, Centre de Formation L’Impulsion, to give freeof-charge information sessions to help … (with) finding jobs in Montreal.
“It was very successful and useful.”
The Syrian Ladies of Montreal did not stop there. They have organized a few coffee get-togethers for newcomers, a Zumba boot camp and educational activities.
Mansourati even set up apartments for new arrivals and went to see them in their new home the day after they arrived.
“They were so happy to see that someone was helping them and welcoming them on arrival,” she said.
Mansourati has found the whole process so inspiring that she got her own family involved. Her mother volunteered to help a family find an apartment and even co-signed the lease. “This is not an easy thing to do for someone you just met,” Mansourati said.
In the beginning, the five administrators had to research the questions they received themselves. But soon, group members began jumping in with answers, and an archive of frequently asked questions was built.
Mansourati said the message of the Syrian Ladies Facebook page is simple.
“Love Canada and it will love you back,” she said. “Integrate and life will be easy. This is our message to all newcomers.”
It is an extremely rewarding experience to feel that you are helping people find jobs.