My name is Rawsha Juqi Merza and I am 30 years old. It has been a year and two months since I have opened a gym for women and men, which was my childhood dream.
I live in Baadri sub-district in Duhok and graduated from an institute. I am a science teacher in a school and a mother of three children. I named my gym after my daughter’s name; Julinar.
Exercising has been my childhood hobby, which I have never stopped. I eventually thought that there was not a gym in Baadri, in particular for women. I decided to open it myself.
When I opened the gym, I achieved two goals: now women are able to come out of their home and have the opportunity to exercise, and the gym is a profession and a source of income for me.
There is a book shelf at the gym as well as a small place allocated to children to play. Likewise, women and men are allocated specific time to come to the gym during the day.
I faced several challenges, while opening the gym; however, I did not listen to what people said and many family was also supportive. I have a plan to expand my business.
