Stitching hope in Afghanistan: Zainab’s journey

“I want to give Afghan women hope and confidence and tell them that they can achieve anything they want.” Meet Zainab, a tailor who is expanding her business in Afghanistan and stitching hope.

BY ABDUL BARI HASHMI

Zainab Nazari, from western Kabul, had to support her family while caring for her sick mother. She is a talented and ambitious young woman who dreamed of expanding her tailoring business.

But for the longest time, her work was based from her home, where she had just one sewing machine and an apprentice who worked with her.

Together, they managed to make only 15 sweaters each month, which was not enough to make ends meet for Zainab’s family. 

Following an intensive six-day training through BRAC’s ABADEI 2.0 project in collaboration with UNDP, Zainab’s workshop now boasts five master tailors and five apprentices, marking a significant improvement in her livelihood and expansion of her business.

Now, she hopes to give back to the community as well. Zainab dreams of an Afghanistan where all women have the confidence to achieve anything they set their heart on.

I want to give Afghan women hope and confidence and tell them that they can achieve anything they want.”

Abdul Bari Hashmi is Reporting and Communications Officer at BRAC Afghanistan.