Over three years have passed since Afghan women were systematically barred from education, work, and public life under Taliban rule. But in a small, brightly lit sewing workshop in Kabul’s Khair Khana neighborhood, the hum of sewing machines tells a story of quiet defiance.
Here, 20 women gather daily to stitch garments and, with them, a semblance of hope. It’s not just fabric they work on; it’s their resilience, survival, and determination to chart a path forward.
Khadija (name changed for security), the workshop’s founder, presides over the scene like a patient teacher and determined entrepreneur. She started this initiative with little more than a dream, her tailoring skills, and 200,000 Afghanis (around $2,941). The result is a lifeline—not just for herself but for her team of women and girls who otherwise have few places to turn.
“I learned tailoring from my mother and started working at home,” she says. “But I wanted to provide opportunities for other women. That’s why I set up this workshop. Now, 20 girls work with me.”
The workshop produces various garments, from casual to traditional Afghan attire. These hand-sewn outfits, rich in cultural symbolism, are sold in Kabul and beyond. Recently, orders have started arriving from international buyers, including Afghan communities in the U.S.
“Our handmade clothes have reached Ghazni and even international markets,” Khadija says. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we need support to grow. Afghan women are hardworking, and with the right resources and access to markets, we can achieve anything.”
Struggles and Silent Resistance
The workshop is a microcosm of Afghan women’s struggle to reclaim their agency. Many of the women who work here, including young girls like Sadaf and Lima (names changed for security), had their education abruptly halted when the Taliban shut schools for girls. Now, they’ve turned to tailoring as a way to move forward.
Lima, photo via MAWJ News, used with permission.
“It has been three years since education stopped,” Sadaf says, carefully measuring fabric. “I turned to tailoring to make a living, but I still hope for change. I want support for handicrafts and education so women can continue their lives.”
For Lima, the workshop has become both a refuge and a springboard for ambition. “After schools closed, I started working here,” she says. “I’ve learned tailoring and now have goals for the future. Like Khadija, I want to open a workshop someday and provide jobs for other women.”
Some of the garments crafted here—such as intricately embroidered Afghan dresses that hold deep cultural significance—ironically find their way back to the workers’ families.
Despite their economic hardships, these workers prioritize preserving cultural traditions by purchasing these items. This reflects the resilience of Afghan culture amidst the ongoing challenges in the country, where economic struggles are juxtaposed with the desire to uphold heritage and identity.
It’s a quiet but potent form of resistance, a reminder that Afghan women continue to contribute to the country’s fabric, both literally and metaphorically.
Challenges of Survival
Running a small business in Afghanistan is no small feat. The economy remains isolated, and opportunities to connect with global markets are scarce. Najib Sahibzada, an economic expert, acknowledges the barriers.
“Without ties to the outside world, expanding small businesses is extremely challenging,” he says. “But Afghan women can use social media platforms to showcase their products, especially to Afghan communities abroad. It’s one of the few marketing tools available to them.”
Khadija sees potential in this strategy but knows it requires resources and training that many women, including herself, don’t yet have. “Social media could help us, but we need support to get there,” she says.
For the women of Khair Khana, the workshop is more than a place to earn a livelihood. It’s a space where they can reclaim some of the independence and dignity stripped from them. The rhythmic hum of sewing machines fills the air, a steady, determined sound that underscores their perseverance.
“We don’t know what the future holds,” Khadija says. “But we do know that we can’t give up. We have families to support, dreams to pursue, and lives to live.”
Through the dedication of Khadija, Sadaf, Lima, and countless others like them, Afghanistan’s silent majority continues to press on, stitching together hope and resilience, one garment at a time.
Humayoon Babur
Humayoon Babur is a dedicated freelance journalist with a Master’s degree in International Development. Over many years, he has covered a wide array of crucial topics, including conflict, peacebuilding, social development, and climate change. His work is known for its depth and insight, often focusing on the complex interplay between these issues and their impact on vulnerable communities.
Humayoon has reported extensively from regions experiencing war and political unrest, bringing attention to stories that are often overlooked. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict, aiming to shed light on the human experience behind the headlines. His reporting not only addresses the immediate consequences of violence but also explores the long-term challenges these regions face, particularly in terms of development and environmental sustainability. Beyond his writing, Humayoon is actively involved in the intersection of policy and advocacy, using his journalism to influence public understanding and drive meaningful change. His work is marked by a commitment to uncovering the truth and providing a platform for marginalized voices. As a seasoned journalist, Humayoon continues to contribute valuable perspectives on some of the world’s most pressing issues.