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At a time when employment opportunities for women in Afghanistan are severely limited, the Salma Dozi Beads Sewing Centre in Jalalabad is helping to transform lives of many women and girls.
Launched in early 2024, this joint project by UN-Habitat and UNDP, funded by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), aims to uplift the most vulnerable women by providing them with essential skills and employment opportunities.
The project currently equips 20 trainees with the skills needed to support themselves and their families. UNDP provided the raw materials, while UN-Habitat supplied the trainers, supervisors, and selected the beneficiaries from the community. These beneficiaries are women with no male support in their families, making them some of the most vulnerable members of the society.
Ms. Shila, the centre’s dedicated trainer, plays a pivotal role in this transformative project. "I am very happy to be working in this centre as a trainer, helping these young women and girls learn crucial skills over the summer when schools are closed," she says. For Shila, this role is more than just a job; it is a means to support her own family, including her sisters, after their father passed away due to cancer. "Being a trainer has helped me earn an income to support my family," she adds.
The project also extends to a local Carpet Weaving Centre, where young women and girls are learning the intricate skills of weaving the world-renowned Afghan carpets.
While we aim to see women working in non-traditional and non-stereotypical sectors beyond sewing, under the current circumstances, these types of projects are among the few viable opportunities where women can earn an income. Thus, sewing and weaving centres offer a practical and immediate means for women to contribute economically and gain financial independence.
Ms. Maryam, a trainee, shares her story: “Before the Taliban banned girls’ education beyond sixth grade, I was in school studying hard to become a doctor. I was also one of the brightest students. The training I am receiving at the Carpet Weaving Centre is beneficial in many ways. I am learning new skills, being able to financially support my family, and engaging with other women outside of my home. This is the only opportunity for us to get out of our homes daily.”
The impact of the centre extends beyond financial support. It builds a sense of purpose and self-worth among the trainees. Learning and mastering a craft allows these women to envision a future where they can contribute economically and socially to their communities. The centre also helps build a network of support among the women, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being.
By focusing on the most vulnerable and providing them with the tools they need to sustain their livelihoods, the project is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for Afghan women and their communities. This initiative is not just about immediate relief; it is about enabling women to rebuild their lives sustainably in the long term.