The sewing machine turns quietly, its steady rhythm filling the workshop. For Nazanin Rasuli, this sound is more than just the noise of a machine—it is a symbol of hope, creating job opportunities and providing income for her and the employees of her workshop.
Nazanin, a 20-years-old resident of Kabul, was in the eleventh grade before girls’ schools above the sixth grade were closed. Today, she has become an entrepreneur, offering work and training in tailoring to around 50 other girls and women.
Despite facing economic difficulties, she started her journey with only a single sewing machine and now leads the “Naz Design” workshop.
She admits that the journey hasn’t been easy. Shortages of raw materials, having few customers, and limited resources are constant challenges. Yet she keeps going, determined to keep the workshop’s machines running and to ensure her employees earn a living.
Reflecting on the early days, she said, “At first, I had only one machine, and it was very difficult to carry my work forward. The only thing that kept me going was my desire to teach tailoring to other girls.”
Her small workshop has since become more than a place to sew clothes—it is a space of hope and learning. Ten people work there directly, while about 40 girls and women are learning tailoring and other skills.
“Through my efforts,” she added, “I was able to secure a project and set up my workshop. Many students now learn tailoring and also work on contracted garments. Educating girls is very important to me.”
In addition to sewing, the workshop has revived traditional handicrafts. Girls are taught beadwork, leatherwork, and embroidery—skills that not only preserve culture but also provide ways to earn income.
She explained, “In my workshop, we don’t just teach tailoring. We teach beadwork, leatherwork, and embroidery too. I try to help my students succeed in every way I can.”
Today, many young girls gather in the workshop, each carrying her own story of interrupted education and limited opportunities. Yet here, alongside the sewing machines, they are moving forward—learning, earning, and dreaming of a better future.
Roya, one of the girls learning tailoring in this workshop, says it offers a new promise of financial independence and the chance to work.
“At the Naz Design workshop, I study and have learned tailoring. I am very happy to have learned a skill, and in the future, I want to continue working in tailoring.“ She said.
Sadaf, one of the employees at the workshop, also expresses her happiness at having a job and a source of income, saying: “In this workshop, I sew and have learned tailoring very well. I am happy to study here, learn tailoring, and make good clothes. In the future, I want to open my own workshop.”
The “Naz Design” workshop is now not only Nazanin Rasuli’s achievement, but the result of a belief born from hardship—one that has become a source of hope for a group of girls today.
Nazanin Rasuli says her goal is not just to earn income; she wants girls to once again experience a sense of purpose, independence, and self-confidence.
Reporter: Twoba Rasuli
