In a country where personal freedoms are increasingly restricted and many women’s aspirations are stifled, Shafiqa, a 35-year-old mother of seven, shares a story of resilience and empowerment.
At her home in Zabul, a province in southern Afghanistan, Shafiqa skillfully operates her sewing machine, crafting garments and steadily honing her tailoring skills. She does this in a nation where being a woman often means enduring social isolation and systemic barriers.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions, being excluded from education, employment, and participation in community life. For women like Shafiqa, who once thrived in their professions, these changes have dismantled years of progress. Shafiqa reflects on the days when she ran her own beauty salon, memories now dimmed by the hardships imposed by the current regime.
Her husband, a cleaner earning just $80 a month, walks 30 kilometers daily to provide for their family. “There are days when having three meals a day is a dream we simply can’t afford,” Shafiqa shares, her voice heavy with emotion. “We often borrow money from neighbors just to put food on the table, and when we manage to earn something, we do everything we can to repay their kindness.” Shafiqa’s story is not unique; it reflects the harsh reality of countless Afghan families caught in a cycle of poverty and dependence.
In response to these urgent needs, INTERSOS, with support from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), has launched a project to equip women like Shafiqa with the tools and skills needed to work as tailors. The program also provides solar panels to ensure access to electricity. Over the past three months, more than 160 women in Zabul Province have participated in training courses and received essential tools, including sewing machines, irons, and other supplies.
Shafiqa recalls the moment she received her sewing machine. “My hands were trembling with excitement,” she says. “With this machine and everything I’ve learned, I can finally help my husband feed our children.”
This project by INTERSOS allows women to learn a trade in safe, familiar environments – primarily in their homes or local community spaces. This culturally sensitive approach offers women a secure place to engage in meaningful and creative work while fostering economic independence. When Shafiqa began sewing clothes for her neighbors, she did more than just create garments – she began building a network of solidarity among women in her community.
By sharing her skills and experiences, Shafiqa has inspired others, and her small business has steadily grown. The women who participate in this initiative have formed a supportive social network where they exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and uplift one another.