In a quiet corner of Maimana, the center of Faryab, the sound of sewing machines fills the room. A group of girls is busy sewing clothes, carefully turning pieces of fabric into finished products. This is the ‘Kibabo’ workshop, started by Humaira Ayoobi with a small investment. What began as a simple project has now become an important source of income for her and the girls she trains, giving them valuable skills and a chance to support themselves.
Humaira says that after women were banned from working in public institutions, she decided to take action to stay active in her community and support herself financially. She remembers starting with just 500 Afghanis, and today, the income she earns allows her to provide for her family.
She says, “I want to stand on my own feet,” and she explains. “I cover most of my family’s expenses and take responsibility for our household.”
Humaira Ayoobi, who is an educated and determined girl, says she has faced many challenges while expanding her workshop and training students.
In recent years, she has taught 42 girls, helping them develop skills and enter the job market. Currently, 20 more girls are learning sewing in her workshop and will graduate after completing a six-month course.
She says, “My students graduate every six months and learn sewing professionally,” and she adds, “Sometimes, I even pay a salary to some of them.”
The products made at ‘Kibabo’ are not only sold in Maimana but also reach neighboring provinces and even markets outside Afghanistan.
She says, “Most of our sewing is sold in Takhar, Baghlan, and Kabul. We have even received orders from Iran, which we prepared and shipped to them.”
Despite the workshop’s growth and the loyal customers she has gained, Humaira still faces challenges due to a shortage of raw materials and other essential resources. She says this slows the workshop’s progress and makes further expansion difficult.
After the ban on women’s education, many women and girls across Afghanistan have started small sewing and handicraft workshops, creating work opportunities not just for themselves but also for other women in their communities.
Reporter: Yolduz Masror
