Photo: Sahar sewing a cloth in her home-based tailoring business in Logar Province. © UNDP AYSO Mohammad Imran

Sahar Mohammadi, a 19-year-old from Pul-e-Alam in Logar Province, is the eldest of eight siblings. Her family relies on her father’s unpredictable income as a daily-wage labourer.

At age 17, Sahar began using drugs and struggled with addiction for two years. Recognizing the need to change her circumstances, she sought help and successfully completed a rehabilitation program at a local DTC. Following her medical recovery, Sahar enrolled in an entrepreneurship and business development training, an initiative facilitated by STFA’s joint programme. She was selected to receive a cash grant, which she used to purchase a tailoring machine and the materials needed to establish a home-based tailoring business.

Today, Sahar earns AFN 4,000 ($62) per month, which allows her to cover her household expenses and build her financial independence. Sahar works alongside 10 young girls, teaching them tailoring techniques, thereby boosting livelihoods in her community.

“I want to be a source of employment and help girls pursue their dreams, just as I was given the chance to rebuild my life,” Sahar said. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her business into a technical and vocational education training centre to equip more women with marketable skills.