WOMEN ONLY: Basra’s female-led laundry service is about more than clean clothes

By Nagham Maki in Basra

In a lively commercial area of ​​Basra, the Laundry Fayrouz is getting a lot of attention: It is a women-only laundry and ironing service, founded by Saja Mahdi, a 27-year-old local.

Mahdi, who is affectionately known as Um Yousef (mother of Yousef), opened the business in the wake of personal tragedy. Following the death of her husband, she was determined to create a better life for her three children.

“I wanted to support my family and give my children a positive future,” Mahdi said. So after initially working at a school and then a local laundry, she decided to launch her own venture.

She chose the name Fayrouz, because this means turquoise and the stone itself is a symbol of positivity.

“It reflects the energy I want to bring into this space,” Mahdi explained. And Laundry Fayrouz has quickly become a popular destination for local women, who often feel more comfortable in a female-friendly environment when seeking laundry services.

Since opening, the shop has flourished and now cleans hundreds of garments daily. Mahdi believes that customers appreciate the extra attention given to special items. “Some clothes, like decorated items and leather jackets, require special handling, and that’s where we excel,” Mahdi said.  

The all-female staff are also an integral part of the shop’s success, she explains: “Having a female team creates a sense of trust and comfort for our clients.” This approach not only provides employment opportunities but has also seen local women gain new skills and financial independence.

Of course there have been challenges too. Work-related injuries, including burns and back pain from the physical demands of ironing, have tested Mahdi’s own resilience. Yet, she remains committed to her vision. “I want to expand the laundry and introduce new services,” she added.

For example, she started importing used clothing, which she cleans and then resells to local women at more affordable prices.

Mahdi’s laundry has also attracted customers from neighbors further away now.

“Laundry Fayrouz is more than just a laundry,” one regular customer says. “It’s a place where women can gather, share stories and lift each other up.” There’s a sense of community developing here, she added.

Mahdi hopes that in the future, the business will not only continue to flourish but also potentially inspire others to pursue their dreams. “I want to be a role model for young women in my community, showing them that they can achieve anything with hard work and determination,” she emphasized. “Because our success is a testament to the strength of women coming together to support one another.”

This story is part of a series of articles supported by the “Qarib” program, a regional initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by the French Media Development Agency (CFI).