New women-only café offers 'private retreat'
Women entrepreneurs driving growth in Basra’s small business sector
BASRA — Women’s investment in small and medium-sized enterprises in Basra is experiencing notable growth, with a diverse array of businesses emerging, including cafés, beauty salons, art galleries, gyms, flower shops, and fashion shows. A recent example of this trend is “Benoz,” a women-only café and restaurant opened by young entrepreneur Banin Al-Boudahi in the Artista building, situated in the central Hakimiyah neighborhood.
Al-Boudahi shared with 964media that the concept for Benoz was born out of her need for a space where she could unwind after work while maintaining privacy. “The idea came when I would finish my work and feel the need to relax. I would go to mixed-gender restaurants and cafés, but I couldn’t find the privacy I wanted there,” she explained. This led her to establish a high-quality, classic venue dedicated solely to women, complete with a beauty salon, spa, pedicure, and manicure services. Benoz is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Emphasizing her commitment to originality, Al-Boudahi noted that she chose to create her own brand rather than purchase a franchise.
Hanine Al-Omani, a barista at Benoz, remarked on the uniqueness of the environment, saying, “This is the first women-only place I’ve worked in, as I was used to working in mixed-gender settings. I found this place to be a successful retreat for women, offering a distinct environment where women do not have to worry about their sitting style or behavior.”
The popularity of professional barista roles is also rising in Iraq, moving beyond traditional settings like tribal guesthouses to embrace the artistry of complex coffee blends. In late April, on central Basra’s bustling 14th Tammuz Street, Shams Faisal, a skilled barista with three years of experience, opened “Jirso,” a café that showcases her expertise.
Two longtime friends, Maryam and Noor, opened Basra’s first female-owned florist in Abu Al-Khasib in early July. Their entrepreneurial journey began with a high school friendship that has now flourished into a successful business venture.
In another women-focused initiative, last year saw the introduction of yoga sessions in the Qibla area of Basra, held in an enclosed gym under the guidance of specialized trainer Yasmin Namir. These sessions, designed to eliminate “negative energy,” have quickly gained popularity due to their privacy and affordability, costing just 15,000 dinars ($11) per month. Namir highlighted that yoga helps women manage household and marital pressures, supports students in coping with academic stress, and enhances women’s strength and self-confidence.
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