Reyhanna, a young mother of several children, lived in dire conditions with her family of nine in a single cramped room within her father-in-law’s home. Her husband was unemployed, and their children went without essentials, even on holidays like Eid. Struggling under psychological and financial pressure, she had little hope for change.
After enrolling in the program, Reyhanna first received a food package and then participated in a tailoring training course. Equipped with a tailoring toolkit, she began working from home. As a member of the Mihan self-help group, she contributed savings and took out three loans to support her household:
First Loan (AFN 5,000): For her son to start a small roadside fuel business. After earning some profit, he migrated to Iran and the second Loan (AFN 3,000): To pay overdue electricity bills.Third Loan (AFN 8,000): After her son returned from Iran, they reopened the fuel shop, which now supports the family alongside her husband’s income from driving contracted taxis.
Reyhanna now not only sews clothes for her children but also earns income by taking orders from local clients. Her financial independence has improved her relationship with her husband, strengthened her social connections, and allowed her to gain basic literacy. She describes herself as a “free bird with open eyes.”
Today, she is a self-reliant, confident woman and a role model of transformation. She is deeply grateful to Hand in Hand Afghanistan for implementing the project and plans to expand her business to include embroidery, handbag-making, and other crafts with a larger team of women.
“I used to live in darkness, despair, and helplessness. I couldn’t even clothe my children. But now, thanks to a single opportunity, I’ve learned how to rebuild life with my own hands.
Dear sisters, if you’re struggling, don’t lose hope, believe in yourself. We women have untapped strength. Never underestimate yourselves. Learn, train, act. You can stand on your own, for yourself, your children, and the future you deserve.”
