ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE, February 7, 2026 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, conducted three vocational sewing courses for 31 vulnerable Uyghur widowed women living in Istanbul.
The project aims to empower women through vocational training and income-generating opportunities, helping them support their families with dignity, build practical skills, and achieve long-term financial independence. One sewing machine was awarded to the top-performing participant in each course, enabling her to continue production, generate income, and work toward independent living.
"Seeing these women gain skills, confidence, and the means to support their families is truly inspiring," said Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal. “This project is about more than sewing—it’s about giving women the tools to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence."
According to the UN, women-led households, particularly widows, are among the most economically vulnerable groups worldwide, with limited access to employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
In addition to delivering vocational courses to Uyghur widowed women in Turkiye, Baitulmaal has also delivered $5.35 million in emergency aid, fresh meat during Udhiyah, distributed Ramadan food packages, emergency aid, and medical support in Türkiye. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit Baitulmaal.org.
Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.
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