The severe economic and living crisis is afflicting all segments of society. As it drags on, it has begun to create a new and bitter reality, leaving many workers and day laborers unexpectedly unemployed. It has not only resulted in job losses but has also forced some to switch sectors in the pursuit of daily sustenance as their original professions can no longer support them.
Nariman Nashif, a teacher from the town of Maghdouche - Saida district, is one of those affected. The economic crisis compelled her to change her job from a teacher to a worker in a local manakish bakery. She left her classroom and her students to seek a livelihood and maintain her dignity. She says, "I am a teacher of Arabic at one of the schools in the area, holding a degree in Arabic literature. Unfortunately, the living crisis has left us with few options; the education sector has declined, and the value of the teacher's salary has evaporated, which led me to work in my cousin's bakery."
What makes Nariman stand out is her work in the bakery, a profession traditionally dominated by men due to its difficulties and the necessity of standing by the oven. She confirms, "At first, customers were surprised to see a woman baking and found it strange, questioning why. But over time, they got used to it, especially as my answer is always the same: 'Working is not shameful...’ Working in a bakery is like working in a school or a bank; 'it's all work.' I also taught with a UN program in the afternoons, but unfortunately, payments are often delayed or insufficient, which drives us to seek multiple jobs. I looked for additional work but couldn't find any; unemployment is invading the markets, and schools are not hiring new teachers. If they do, the salary is low and barely covers the transportation costs to the school. When I couldn't find an alternative, I decided to adapt to reality and work in the bakery to live with dignity and avoid the humiliation of questioning and need amidst these seemingly endless crises."
Nariman is not the only one working in the bakery; university student Marie Matta shares her experience. She says, "I am working while waiting for the Lebanese University to resume classes again. There has been a strike for five months; we took exams, but they haven't set a date for the second round or final exams. Naturally, I don’t like sitting at home like this, so I searched for work and found it in the bakery. I’m happy because I'm earning my own money since the situation is tough."
Marie faced the same astonishment as Nariman did, confirming that "customers are surprised to see two young women in the bakery, but then they realize it’s just life in Lebanon." She adds jokingly, "Some people come in expecting to give their orders to a young man, and when they find a young woman standing in front of the bakery, they are caught off guard. I hope the economic and living crisis resolves quickly, and life returns to normal, even if that seems like a distant dream in the coming years."
The bakery owner, Donald Nashif, has no qualms about employing the two young women. He states, "I used to have one male worker; now I have two young women, and they are clean and proficient in everything." Meanwhile, George Hayek, one of the customers from Maghdouche, emphasizes, "The service from the two young women is better, and they have received great encouragement from the townspeople based on the principle that work is not shameful, which is rare in these days of severe crises."
