Resilience & Renewal
JORDAN
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FINCA INTERNATIONAL
Jordan, a nation defined by its ancient history and enduring spirit, has long served as a refuge for those in need. As one of the countries most affected by the Syrian refugee crisis, it has welcomed millions of displaced people, shouldering immense challenges to provide safety and opportunity. Against this backdrop, my collaboration with FINCA International and Bill Toliver of The Matale Line took us on a journey through Amman, Irbid and Jaresh, capturing stories of resilience and transformation.
ABOVE: MR. AND MRS. AL MIKDAD HOLDING A PHOTOGRAPH OF THEIR SON
In Irbid, we met Mr. and Mrs. Al Mikdad, a Syrian couple whose story reflects both unimaginable loss and remarkable strength. Fleeing their war-torn homeland with little more than their skills, they arrived in Jordan to start anew. With the help of a FINCA loan, the Al Mikdads turned their talent for baking into a flourishing business that now sustains their family. But beneath their success lies a tragedy that no amount of resilience can erase.
Their eldest son, who had stayed behind in Syria to care for his grandparents, was killed by a sniper while simply trying to buy bread. His absence is a shadow that lingers over their every achievement, a stark reminder of the fragility of life for refugee families. Yet, the Al Mikdads continue to press forward, channeling their pain into purpose. Their bakery is more than a business—it is a testament to the strength of a family determined to rebuild amidst the weight of their loss.
ABOVE: MR. AND MRS. AL MIKDAD WITH FINCA JORDAN'S REHAM
“We lost everything when we fled the war in Syria. Loans from FINCA helped our family build a new life.”
ABOVE: MR. AND MRS. AL MIKDAD IN THEIR HOME BAKERY
On the rural outskirts of Jaresh, where olive groves dot the rolling hills, we met Rahma and Hikmat, two sisters sustaining their livelihood by herding sheep and producing ayran - a traditional yoghurt. Life here moves slowly, yet challenges persist. With FINCA loans, the sisters expanded their business, ensuring financial stability while providing fresh, locally made products that support their household and rural community.
ABOVE: RAHMA HEARDS HER GOATS IN JARESH, JORDAN
This quiet corner of Jaresh underscores the broader significance of women in agriculture, both locally and globally. Across the world, women comprise 43% of the agricultural workforce, yet their potential remains largely untapped due to systemic barriers like restricted access to land, credit, and technology.
In Jordan, where women’s workforce participation is among the lowest globally at just over 14%, stories like Rahma and Hikmat’s are a reminder of the impact women can have when given equal opportunities. Globally, studies indicate that if women had the same access to agricultural resources as men, farm yields could increase by 20-30%, potentially reducing world hunger by up to 17%.
ABOVE: RAHMA AND HER SISTER, HIKMAT
ABOVE: FINCA LOAN COORDINATORS WITH RAHMA AND HIKMAT
In Jordan we saw the power of small but meaningful change. In a country facing the complex realities of hosting refugees and managing scarce resources, these individuals highlight the importance of community-driven solutions. Their efforts, grounded in hard work and resourcefulness, offer a glimpse into how local ingenuity can create sustainable paths forward, even amid ongoing challenges.
