Decades of armed conflict, violence and high unemployment have left millions of people in Iraq struggling to make ends meet, and support their families. It's even harder for women-headed households. In the third part of CGTN's Iraq in Recovery series, reporter Meng Qingsheng takes us to a family in Baghdad to see how an economic program by the International Committee of the Red Cross helps foster a tailor's dream.

Yassmin started sewing four years ago. It was the same year she got married and then ended her relationship. The tailor's job allows the 21-year-old to survive a difficult time.

YASSMIN ABBAS ALI BAGHDAD RESIDENT "After the divorce, I came to my parents' house and started sewing. We had a very small sewing machine. I learned the basics of sewing from my mom and other family members. I am very interested in making clothes."

About six months ago, Yassmin received a grant provided by the International Red Cross. She was able to buy new sewing machines and increase the family income.

YASSMIN ABBAS ALI BAGHDAD RESIDENT "My father is old and he can't work anymore. The program helps improve my family income and living standard. It has also affected how I perceive myself, in a positive way."

MENG QINGSHENG BAGHDAD "The primary purpose of microeconomic initiative is to support cash income generation. More than 300 thousand people across Iraq have benefited from the programs -- most of them low income families affected by the conflict. It not only helps them survive, but also regain a role in society.”

Ala'a Mustafa works for the International Red Cross. She says Yassmin has encouraged all Iraqi women and deserves the best.

ALA'A MUSTAFA ICRC ECONOMIC SECURITY FIELD OFFICER "For a divorcee or maybe the women in general, women suffering and they need this project, because they have the talent, skill and motivation to start over. She was following her business plan, this is correct because you start your job, you should work on a kind of business that reach a point that manages to cover your needs."

The family lives in a predominantly Shiite neighborhood in southern Baghdad. Some ended up here after escaping sectarian conflicts. Yassmin's family relocated from the neighboring Diyala Province 12 years ago.

YASSMIN ABBAS ALI BAGHDAD RESIDENT "My father worked as an official with the police. He was threatened a couple of times due to sectarian conflicts between Shiites and Sunnis. In 2006, after my grandma died, we decided to leave and come to Baghdad."

Yassmin is confident in her talent as a tailor and keeps improving. She dreams of opening her own fashion shop or factory before she turns 25. She says the economic program gives her an opportunity to rise up from tough times. And now, it's time for her to continue the trend, and bring the best out of herself. Meng Qingsheng, CGTN, Baghdad.