My Name is Saba, and this is my Journey from Loss to Leadership

We were a family of two brothers, three sisters, and our beloved mother. Three years ago, we lost our father to cancer, a big shock that changed everything. Both of my brothers are married and living separately, the responsibility of our home fell solely on our mother’s shoulders. She became our only guardian. 

My eldest sister was a tailor. Through her sewing, she managed to cover most of our household expenses. My mother also contributed whenever she could, stitching quilts and occasionally helping with tailoring work. Times were incredibly hard, but we survived. 

After finishing high school, I held tightly to a dream to continue my education and study a subject of my choice. I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. My mother and sister were my strongest supporters. They encouraged me and gave me the emotional strength to believe in myself. Despite the absence of my father, I didn’t feel alone, I felt empowered. 

I registered for university entrance exams and, after some anxious waiting, received the call: I had passed and was accepted into the field I had always dreamed of, in the midwifery department. 

 I felt deep gratitude and overwhelming joy. 

Every day, I attended university with great passion and dedication. I was determined to fulfill not only my own dream, but my mother’s dream as well. But just as I reached my third semester, our path was blocked when the de facto authorities took control of Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, a ban was announced on education for girls schools, universities, and institutes were shut to us. 

That day, I was crushed. I felt an unbearable weight of despair. I remember saying to myself: "I wish I had not been born in a land where dreams are buried alive." The thought of all my mother’s sacrifices, all the hardships she endured to pay my fees, broke my heart. 

I felt hopeless and incomplete. My dream was shattered. But even in those dark days, my mother never gave up on me. She kept telling me, "A new door will open for you." 

 And then, a new opportunity appeared. 

As I reached my third semester, a ban was announced on education for girls. Schools, universities, and institutes were shut to us. 

One day, a survey was conducted by the organization Women for Women International (WfWI) in our village. Each household had one person registered. Our difficult circumstances were evident, and I was fortunate enough to be selected. 

Soon after, the program began in 2024. It was a one-year vocational and empowerment program offering training in tailoring, animal husbandry, social empowerment, and entrepreneurship. I eagerly joined and chose the tailoring section. It felt like a new beginning, a second chance. Not only were we learning valuable skills, but we were also given a monthly stipend. I was genuinely happy. 

During one of our business classes, the instructor spoke about how to start your own work how to plan, prepare, and launch a small business. That session sparked something inside me. I suddenly realized: Why not me? Why can’t I start a business of my own? 

From that moment, I made a firm decision: I would begin my own tailoring business. 

After graduating from the program, I received an official certificate. That certificate meant the world to me. Iit gave me confidence, credibility, and the courage to start my business. I began small, setting fair prices and building trust with my customers. Over time, my reputation grew. 

Today, my sister and I both run our own tailoring business. We have loyal customers not only from our village but from nearby areas as well. Our business is growing steadily, and many of the financial hardships we once faced have eased. This change was made possible because of the opportunity provided through WfWI’s Stronger Women Stronger Nations program. 

I dream of expanding further and opening a shop in the market, and online, attracting more customers, and eventually establishing a company that offers every type of design and customized order. I want to create a brand known for quality, creativity, and service. 

I can be a leader too, this is my dream, and I believe I will achieve it.