In Khuaja Gulbid village, Kushk Rabat Sangi district in Herat Province, 18-year-old Parisa has emerged as a local example of resilience and transformation. 

Born into a family of seven with limited income from a small shop run by her father, and with her elder brother seeking work in Iran, Parisa once believed she had no role in shaping her family’s future.

Supported by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), Joint Project, Parisa participated in entrepreneurship training and received in-kind financial support. This marked a turning point in her life and that of her family. “The training and financial support have completely changed our lives,” Parisa said. “We can now afford better food, and my family trusts my decisions. My father even asks me to prepare the shop's restocking list.”

Although she had to leave school after seventh grade, Parisa’s passion for education and entrepreneurship remains strong. Today, she helps manage the family shop, applying business skills learned during her GET Ahead training.

She and her father have created a collaborative environment where knowledge is exchanged; he teaches her shopkeeping while she introduces him to marketing strategies and financial planning. “Our home is now filled with peace, respect, and teamwork,” she said. “I feel valued and respected. I am now a breadwinner, just like a man, for my family.”

Parisa hopes that other women in her community will also receive the support they need. “Please continue helping more women – we truly need it.”