“The Sakina of today is not the Sakina of 20 months ago,” says 41-year-old Sakina Laghmani, reflecting on her inspiring transformation. Living in Karte Adalat, Balkh Province, Sakina was once a housewife with no formal education. Today, she is a successful businesswoman, running her own embroidery and sewing business and contributing significantly to her family’s livelihood.
Her journey began when she joined the Sadaqat Savings Group through a program by Hand in Hand Afghanistan. Initially motivated to save money securely, she discovered opportunities she had never imagined. “I realized that ability, regardless of age, leads to success, especially when you have guidance,” she says.
The program provided her with tools and training in business management, market connections, and life skills, including literacy. Armed with these skills, Sakina found confidence to start her own business. “I learned to organize my life, manage a business, and connect to markets. These skills changed my outlook entirely,” she explains.
Her family played a vital role in her success. “My husband has been very supportive because he knows the program benefits the entire family,” Sakina shares. With her newfound skills, she started by borrowing 2,000 AFN from her savings group to open a shop in the women’s market. Within a month, she repaid the loan, prepaid six months’ rent for her shop, and began earning a steady income.
“My embroidery work earns me 1,000–1,500 AFN per week, and sewing traditional Afghan clothing has added 500–1,000 AFN to my daily income,” she says. Sakina uses her earnings to support her family and invest in her children’s education. Her success has even inspired her husband, who opened a clothing shop in Mazar-e-Sharif, where he sells the traditional clothing she sews.
Sakina’s dreams don’t stop here. She plans to open another shop and establish a workshop where she can train other women. “I want to help others achieve what I have. Success isn’t just for one person, it should be shared,” she says.
She credits Hand in Hand Afghanistan for her transformation. “This organization has taken people from zero to the heights of success. I hope they continue supporting hardworking women like me,” she says.
Sakina also encourages other women to take the leap toward their own success. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Anyone can achieve success if they want to. I am proof of that,” she asserts.
Her story is a powerful example of how determination, family support, and the right opportunities can change lives. “Change is necessary for everyone. If I can do it, so can you,” she concludes.
