Mujiba Rahmani, a 40-year-old woman from Karte Adalat, District 7 of Balkh Province, is a shining example of perseverance and commitment. She joined the Women Empowerment Project of Hand in Hand Afghanistan and become a member of Asman Self-help Group. In result she has successfully established a bag-making business and now also works as a bag-making instructor.
Mujiba, who studied up to the eighth grade, is responsible for a family of nine, with children aged between 7 and 14 years. Mujiba has a strong passion for learning, cooking, and working, which motivated her to join this project. She aimed to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become economically independent, reduce her reliance on others, and, alongside her husband, provide a better life for her family.
Mujiba explains, “My only motivation was to stand on my own feet and have a job with an income so that I could support my husband and also save money beyond our daily expenses.”
The positive feedback and encouragement from her husband have played a crucial role in her journey. Mujiba praises Hand in Hand Afghanistan for implementing the women’s empowerment project, which has enabled her to learn new and valuable skills.
“I learned important skills like saving money, choosing the right business, obtaining loans to start a business, and mastering the craft of bag-making,” Mujiba says. “I also gained life skills through this project. I have learned so much, and now I am even teaching other women bag-making so they can stand on their own feet, just like I did.”
The changes in Mujiba’s life are remarkable. Before joining the program, she had no say in any household decisions. But now, as a business owner, her family, including her husband and mother-in-law, involve her in all decision-making processes. “I wanted a change in my life, and I have truly transformed. Before, I couldn’t make any decisions at home, but now I am a business owner, and everyone at home, including my husband and mother-in-law, consults me in all decisions. I am very happy that my opinions are valued,” she shares.
Mujiba’s family acknowledges the impact of the project, saying, “This project helps low-income and underprivileged families establish businesses, improving their economic and social conditions.”
Mujiba has received significant support from Hand in Hand, including a bag-making machine, a machine table, a cutting table, measuring tools, and other supplies needed for bag production. Her bag-making business earns her between 150 to 300 Afghanis daily, with some days reaching up to 500 Afghanis. Additionally, she earns 10,500 Afghanis per month by teaching bag-making to other women.
Mujiba plans to expand her business to train more women and introduce trendy handbags to the market.
Her message to other women is to never underestimate themselves and always maintain a positive mindset. “My message to other women is to never say ‘I can’t.’ Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with a little determination and effort, they can achieve their dreams.”
Mujiba Rahmani’s story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work in overcoming life’s challenges.
