After the closure of universities for female students, 22-year-old Farah Diba, a student of social sciences, decided not to surrender but courageously pursue her childhood dream.
Farah was inspired by her mother’s sewing machine and made a promise to herself to shape her own destiny. Today, Farah Diba is a designer of Afghan clothing.
With bright, sparkling eyes, this young woman recounts the early days when she began her journey. She recalls her first designs and the clothes she made, often cutting her fingertips in the process.
Farah Diba credits the unwavering support of her mother and friends for her resilience in the face of life’s challenges. “I designed the clothes, and my mother prepared them. The initial support came from my close friends. Along with my family, they encouraged me, and I received my first orders from them,” she says.
Farah Diba started her business with a modest budget and now has a store in one of Kabul’s bustling markets. Her creativity and innovation have allowed her designs to gain popularity not only locally but internationally as well. “Women who order online can receive their clothes by mail. We send shipments through the postal service, and fortunately, we have shipped over 100 kilograms of Afghan clothing to Germany,” she says.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Farah Diba’s strong will and hope for a brighter future have kept her going. She is determined to show that even in the darkest moments, a path to light can be found and a new future can be created. “Every challenge I faced, I did not give up. My goal was to support girls who were deprived of education and those who head their families,” she adds.
Today, Farah Diba is not only supporting herself but has also created job opportunities for 10 other girls who were deprived of education. “For those girls who wanted to work from home, I provided the opportunity to do so, and the number of these girls is increasing,” she explains.
Several economic experts believe that small-scale businesses run by women could significantly contribute to Afghanistan’s economic and social progress.
Shaker Yaqubi, an economic expert, says: “Women in business can contribute to increased production, job creation, and strengthening family economies. Their participation not only boosts the country’s economy but also changes societal attitudes and strengthens the position of women in society.”
In the past three years, the economic activities of women have noticeably increased. According to statistics provided by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 2,500 women have received work licenses, and more than 130,000 other women are engaged in small-scale economic activities without licenses.
