A woman has established a small noodle production workshop in Herat that is creating job opportunities for several girls who have been deprived of education.
Shakila Sharifi, who was a teacher, says she launched the ‘Aash e Rana’ production workshop with very basic facilities to create work not only for herself but also for other girls. She said,
“When I first started, I faced many challenges. However, I never gave up because my goal was to build a better and brighter future for myself and my children. I began in a small space, and now I am seeing progress.”
At the ‘Aash e Rana’ workshop, 10 girls who were unable to continue their education are now employed. Every day, they process around 500 kilograms of flour into noodles. According to Sharifi, their products have been displayed at several small and large exhibitions in both Herat and Kabul.
She said, “I participated in these exhibitions with the support of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce in the western zone, which helped me introduce my products. I hope that in the future, more support programs will be organized for women entrepreneurs.”
Some of the girls working at the workshop say that after the education ban, they turned to this job to support their families. Through their work, they are now able to help cover food expenses and basic needs.
Roqia Mohammadi, who studied up to the sixth grade and has been working at the ‘Aash e Rana’ workshop for three years, says the job has paved the way for her to earn an income.
“My morale at home had declined, but after I joined the workshop, I became busy with work and met many other girls. That greatly improved my spirits. My financial situation has also improved, and now I earn my own income,” she said.
Robaba, another employee of the workshop, says she joined the noodle production workshop six months ago to escape unemployment.
“Since I started working, my morale has improved, and I am now contributing to my family’s expenses. I hope that if I ever get the opportunity, I will establish a similar company myself and provide jobs for others who are unemployed or in need,” she said.
In recent years, many women and girls in different provinces have started small sewing and handicraft workshops, trying to create job opportunities for themselves and others. Through these small businesses, they are not only learning practical skills but also earning an income to support their families.
Reporter: Marzia Hussaini
