KABUL (Pajhwok): The sound of scissors, rows of beads and unfinished bridal shawls form part of the daily atmosphere of a house that has now been turned into a small production workshop — a place where Hawa Rezai began her work with only 1,000 afghanis but has now created employment opportunities for 30 other women.
Hawa Rezai, who was unable to complete her studies in 12th grade due to family problems, started producing bridal shawls about two and a half years ago with a capital of 1,000 afghanis — a skill she had learned in childhood from her mother.
At first, she sewed bridal shawls, henna wraps and bridal belts at home on order from shopkeepers and received payment for her work. However, by saving her small income, she established her own workshop about a year ago and registered the brand “Negin Almas”.
Speaking about the beginning of her journey, Hawa Rezai said: “At first, I only wanted to start a small job for myself, but my husband said you can also create job opportunities for other girls. My husband’s family encouraged and supported me until I reached this stage.”
She considers her in-laws’ support key to her success and adds: “I spoke to my mother-in-law and told her I had no capital. She gave me 1,000 afghanis from household expenses and said if this money can move your work forward, then start.”
She also recalls the difficulties along the way, saying: “There were many hardships. Some days I would cut several bridal shawls incorrectly and ruin them. I would sew and unpick them many times until they were right, but eventually I succeeded.”
According to her, she has now been able to provide employment opportunities for 30 women directly and indirectly. The women take products home, work on them and, after completion, return them and receive their wages.
Rezai says that currently eight girls are working on commissioned shawls in her home, while others are engaged in similar work from their own homes.
She adds that her business is growing day by day and she is trying to compete in the market with new and creative designs and further expand her work.
The workshop produces bridal shawls, gift-wrapping cloths for sweets, bridal belts, henna wraps and arm bands. She says that despite the high cost of beads and crystals, she always tries to use high-quality materials.
According to her, the most difficult work she has done was preparing a red shawl for a girl from Saudi Arabia, on which Ayat-ul-Kursi was embroidered, and she worked on it day and night.
She says they sometimes receive orders from abroad, and the prices of their products range from 200 to 20,000 afghanis depending on design and embroidery.
“I am trying to expand my work and establish a larger workshop so that more girls can have access to jobs and training,” she added.
Meanwhile, Marzia Habibi, one of the workshop’s trainees, said she has been learning bead embroidery on shawls for seven months.
She added: “I used to study painting, but I wanted to learn another skill as well.”
She said she also receives a salary for her work, which has helped her cover some of her painting expenses and support her family.
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