Sisters launch first women-led laundry in Wasit

WASIT — Maryam and Batoul have launched “Fayrouz Laundry” on Kafa’at Street in central Kut, marking the city’s first laundry business fully managed by women. The sisters hope to gain support from local women as they offer delivery services and monthly subscriptions aimed at students, employees, and businesspeople, especially as the new school year brings an increase in household chores.

“We started Fayrouz Laundry as the first women-run laundry in Wasit,” Maryam Ali, co-owner, told 964media. “My sister and I collaborated to launch the project after waiting for employment opportunities that never came through.”

According to a March report by the International Labour Organization, only 10.6% of Iraq’s 13 million women of working age are employed or actively looking for work, the lowest labor force participation rate for women worldwide.

The laundry service is geared toward meeting the growing demand from families at the start of the school year. “We provide these services with an all-female staff, giving mothers the convenience and comfort of working with other women,” Maryam added.

The sisters hope the women of Kut will support their new venture, helping it grow and succeed in the local market.