ــ the only blacksmith female in Gaza.
When she sits with her tools in the market, people gather around her and watch her with amazement, as if they’re watching a witch performing magic.
Aisha Hussain, 36-year-old Palestinian, is married and has seven children. She’s Gaza’s only female blacksmith, who has taken the job from her family. She has been doing it for about 20 years.
Aisha started off, helping her husband, who’s also a blacksmith. Not too long ago, her husband became sick, and she became the sole breadwinner in the family. She works across her house, in a rickety tent made of old tarpaulin. It’s a back-breaking job, but she feels accomplished. Her daughters give her a hand once in a while, though she doesn’t want her children to be in her shoes. Aisha wishes to have a workshop one day. Some of her neighbors support her, while others complain about the clanking noise coming out of her workplace. She makes about $5 to $12 per day. Though the money isn’t enough to meet the living expenses, she’s proud of being financially independent.
Aisha is heating the iron skewer, while using the chisel to keep on the work. Her daughter Asmaa in puffing with bellows, while her younger daughters are sitting watching her.
Aisha is using the hammer to shape the iron, and her children around her in the tent.
Aisha is using the hammer to shape the iron, and her children around her in the tent.
Aisha holds a ring used for goats, she shaped herself.
Aisha is using the hammer to shape the iron, and her children are around her in the tent.
Aisha is gathering her tools as she has finished the day’s work, while her daughters are waiting for her to go home.
Aisha is feeding her youngest daughter Malak, after a long work day. While
she’s preparing food to break their fasting– as it’s the holy month of Ramadan.
A portrait of Malak(L) and Safaa(R), as the family is waiting the Adhan(call for prayer) to break their fasting.
Portrait of Aisha at her house.