My name is Zainab, Women for Women International (WfWI) participant from Chahar Bagh-e Safa.
Today is our graduation ceremony; I wore my own colorful and embroidered dress, handmade. Before attending this program, everyone made jokes about me, and I was very discouraged and had no self-confidence. After taking the participation card and getting enrolled in WfWI's Stronger Women Stronger Nations program, I came to the training center. This was a great platform for me to find confidence and get motivated by trainers. I received skills training in sewing.
Photo Credit: Women for Women International
After the control of Afghanistan by the de facto government, our training center was banned, and it was very painful for me. I was devastated, and once again I felt that I would face the same situation: people will make jokes. But this time, there were some changes I felt in myself. It was very pleasant.
I got some confidence and was taking part in daily activities, but with low courage. Sometimes I lost confidence, and I would cry and pray for the reopening of the center.
After the center reopened, I was very happy. By attending the center and receiving training, I got myself full of confidence, took part in each activity, learned skills training and got cash assistance, by which I bought a sewing machine. Now, I stitch my clothes and make embroidery on my dresses, and I stitch dresses for the community and earn money by myself.
It gives me power and I feel proud.
I’m very thankful to WfWI for providing us with services, monthly stipends, cash assistance and multiple trainings. I can’t express my feeling in words to thank you, WfWI.
