Twelve years ago, my family and I came from Pakistan to Afghanistan. We are 14 people in total, and I must confess that life hasn't been easy for us. My father was very sick, he couldn't walk, and we struggled to make a living here.
In a moment of despair to help us generate money, my brother tried to drive a neighbor's rickshaw, who paid him a daily budget in return, but this money wasn't even enough to feed us. That's when I heard about Women for Women International.
Registering for Strong Women, Strong Nations program was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Since I started the training, I've learned basic math and how to save money, and I chose tailoring as my vocational track. At that time, though, I couldn't afford to buy a sewing machine.
Thanks to Women for Women International and my trainers, I now know how to sew beautiful dresses. Moreover, with the lessons I had about savings, I could save a portion of the stipends I was receiving from the program to buy my own sewing machine.
Likewise, when the program was resumed in January, I could use the extra cash we received to buy food for my family. In fact, it was essential for us after a challenging moment of economic loss we were facing in the country. Again, Women for Women International was there for me, helping me thrive.
Today, I feel like a fortunate person. I have started sewing dresses which I can sell and generate income for my family. I have my own business, and I have become a self-sufficient woman. I'm very thankful for this program, all the trainers I had, and everyone who supports this work to happen.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
