BASRA, Iraq — Young Iraqi women are taking a tattoo training course in Basra, where conservative views still dominate society. Dozens of young Iraqi women have enrolled in a tattoo and makeup course in the southern Iraqi city. The course instructor, Nidhal Hassan, said many women reached out after she put an announcement about the course online. "They wanted to learn this beautiful profession. The nicest thing about this job is that it is simple and they can practice it from home," said Hassan. Hassan is the director of Milano Academy, which specializes in tattoos and makeup. Over 60 women from various backgrounds are enrolled in her course. "Basra's society is a closed one, as we say, it is a tribal society. But thankfully, we haven't faced any difficulties," said Nahla al-Hamdani, one of the participants. The women say they are determined to work in Basra's conservative society and bring home some extra income. The tattoo and makeup course started on Jan 10. and is slated to last for one month. Each participant pays $50 in course fees and the graduates will receive certificates form the academy at the end, or move on to a more advanced level.
