Humaira, a 40-year-old woman from Karte Adalat, District 7, Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province, is a dedicated member of the Gohar group and learned the bag making skill. Living with her husband and their four children aged 9 to 18, Humaira always had a passion for sewing, and studying. Unfortunately, due to social and political challenges, she was only able to complete up to the fifth grade.
Motivated by the desire to have her own business and become self-reliant, Humaira joined the project run by the Hand in Hand Afghanistan organization (HIHAO) in Mazar-i-sharif. “My motivation to join the project was to have my own business, learn bag making skills and enterprise development, and stand on my own feet. My husband and family supported my decision to join the project, as it would allow me to learn a trade, have my own income, and support my husband in improving our lives,” she explains.
Through the program, Humaira and other women learned valuable skills. “Personally, I learned many useful things from the project: how to speak, how to have good relationships with people, work methods, and that one should never stop striving for success,” Humaira shares. The training and enterprise establishment tools provided by the project exceeded her expectations, bringing about unprecedented changes in her life.
“The best aspect of the project is its precise and transparent survey, which identified the real deserving individuals. They organized vocational classes, distributed enterprise establishment tools, created savings groups, and conducted life skills classes. The HIHAO team has worked very honestly, and we are grateful and happy from them” Humaira says with gratitude.
Since participating in the program, Humaira has become financially independent, covering her family’s expenses with her business income. Her social status has significantly improved as well. “I currently cover my family’s expenses from the income of my business, and I am not financially dependent on others because I have my own income. My social status and respect in my community have also significantly improved,” Humaira proudly states.
In the first months of learning embroidery, Humaira earned 2000 to 2500 Afghanis per week. Now, as a skilled woman, she earns 3000 to 4000 Afghanis weekly. “I am very happy with my progress. My plan for the future is to use my income to buy advanced tools for my business, take on apprentices, and pass on my skills to others to increase my income further,” Humaira explains optimistically.
Her message to other women is clear and empowering: “My message to other women is that they should not say ‘I am illiterate, I am too old, I am not capable.’ They should try to learn at any age, and their lives will improve.”
Humaira’s story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and support, showcasing the profound impact of the HIHAO program on women’s lives in her community.
