Women like Ward and her sisters, who fled Syria over a decade ago, form the backbone of Lebanon’s farming workforce—despite working in harsh conditions for lower wages and often without legal protections. While media narratives often portray the return of Syrian refugees as inevitable, the reality is far more complex. Though some are returning, a significant number are choosing to stay in Lebanon, where they have built lives despite immense challenges. These women are choosing roots over repatriation.
A view of Damour from the plantations at sunset.
Ward, Fatma and Munira start the day early pruning and cutting dead leaves and roots from the cucumber plants in the greenhouses they work most days. (12/14/2024)
Ward looks up at the cucumber plants waiting for her sister's instruction and anticipating the work ahead. (12/14/2024)
Munira* sorts the cucumbers into the baskets ready for packing alongside her sister, Fatma, after a long day of working in greenhouses picking the cucumbers. (12/15/2024)
Ward cooks for her sisters and their kids with some left over zuchinnis from their previous planting season. Ward cooks everyday for her family and they usually rely on their own produce for daily meals. (12/15/2024)
Ghazieye's son looks out over the property that his family take care of on behalf of a Lebanese landlord. Farming and taking care of the properties' of Lebanese landlords who live oversees provides stability for many Syrian families in Lebanon. (12/16/2024)
The sons of the landowner play in the stream at the entrance of the farm. In the summer, landlords often return from abroad with their families.
Birds fly above an informal refugee camp in the Beka valley. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have lived in these informal settlements since the civil war in Syria began around 14 years ago with many working in agriculture. (12/20/2024)
Fatma looks at the news from Syria on her phone after a day of working in the greenhouses. This has become a nightly ritual since the fall of Assad. (12/16/2024)
A dove prepares to fly on the top of Um Said's bird house.
Ghazieye's daughter pours coffee for her mother's guests who visit often and at short notice. She doesn't go to school and remains at home doing household chores. (12/16/2024)
A young girl runs for the school bus at the Triumphant Mercy educational centre to return to her home located in one of the informal camps in the Beka Valley. Since photographing this educational centre, it was closed down by the government and forced to move online. (12/20/2024)
