Dozens of women have gathered at a clothing and handicraft company in a remote village in the Jabal al-Siraj district of Parwan province, Afghanistan, working together to contribute to local economic growth and self-sufficiency, even on a small scale.
This company, named “Almas,” was founded six months ago by five entrepreneurial women with an investment of 220,000 afghanis.
Currently, 150 other women are engaged in making women’s and children’s clothing and producing handicrafts.
Fazila Sadat, one of the five leaders of the company, says that among the employees, in addition to breadwinning women, there are also girls, university students, and school dropouts who are learning a profession.
“In addition to producing clothes, we also provide skill training, with 150 apprentices and 10 instructors. Our products include Afghan-style gowns, party and children’s clothing, and handicrafts like tablecloths, beadwork, and graphic designs,” she added.
Ms. Sadat adds that if the government and international organizations provide marketing opportunities and participation in exhibitions, and offer financial support to purchase up-to-date equipment, the company could expand its operations to other provinces.
“Our products are not only sold in the Jabal al-Siraj market in Parwan but also in the capital, and even abroad. We hope they will create exhibition opportunities so that we can showcase our products to the world.”
This clothing and handicraft company has become a space for women and girls who, alongside earning an income and learning a profession, can escape the stress and pressures of life and focus solely on their work.
Bahara Karimi, one of the apprentices at this center, expresses her satisfaction in working alongside entrepreneurial women, and says that being here has revived hope in her life, making it easier to continue.
“This company has had a very positive impact on our mental well-being. Our request from the government is to support us financially so that we can present our products to the world,” she shared.
Fatima Rahmani, another apprentice at the company, says that working here has not only alleviated her depression but also sparked the dream of starting her own company one day.
“A lot has changed in our mental and emotional state. Our goal is for Afghan people to stop using foreign clothes, and we ask the government and women’s support organizations to help us. I want to say on behalf of all the apprentices that we hope to establish a center like our mentors in the future.”
According to the Parwan Directorate of Industry and Commerce, nearly 500 women entrepreneurs are working in production companies under its supervision.
Despite the numerous challenges women face, these women have not given up and continue working with hope for a brighter future, aiming for self-sufficiency and serving others.
