Hands that Wove Life Back Together with Carpets

Hands that Wove Life Back Together with Carpets

Women, who make up half of society, and who are entitled to equal rights as men, have faced numerous economic, social, and other challenges over the past several decades. Along this difficult path, organizations such as the immunity and survival national organization have always stood by women. With the support of the UN women, they have extended a helping hand to women facing various life challenges, regardless of the circumstances.

I am Kubra Ali Zada, Human Resources Manager at the immunity and survival national organization in District 13 of Kabul. In collaboration with the UN women, our organization launched a carpet weaving project after conducting field research and assessments in District 13. In this project, women played a vital role in identifying and including the most vulnerable women in the program.

A total of 54 deserving women were selected for the project—each meeting specific criteria and having faced different forms of hardship in life. One of the beneficiaries is Zakia Haidari.

Zakia Haidari, 30 years old, returned to Kabul from Bamyan five years ago. Three years ago, she lost her husband in an accident. Since then, she has carried the heavy burden of life alone and is now the sole caregiver of her four children. Zakia shares:

"My husband was a government employee. We moved from Bamyan to Kabul for his job, and life was going well. Then, one Friday night, I received a call saying he had been injured and was hospitalized at the French Hospital. I wanted to go see him, but I wasn’t allowed. At that moment, I knew something was wrong. Later, someone told me that he had passed away. My world turned dark, and my life fell into despair. Now I live in a rented house in Kabul with my four children, doing everything I can to be both their mother and father."

Zakia was introduced to the immunity and survival national organization through a friend. After registering and being assessed, she was selected for the carpet weaving project and became one of the most hardworking and dedicated participants, always eager to learn with sincerity.

She joyfully explains:

"I was so happy when I was accepted into the project—I thanked God. During the carpet weaving training, I learned a whole new skill that I had never known before. Getting to know my new coworkers was such a pleasant experience. We were like a close-knit family—we laughed, worked, and ate together. As soon as I arrived at the workshop in the mornings, I would forget all my worries. My children stayed with my husband’s brother’s wife, and I could work with peace of mind. By saving on transportation costs, I managed to cover some of my smaller needs. The money I received at the end of the project was extremely helpful—it allowed me to buy winter fuel so I could keep my house warm and protect my children from getting sick."

These brave women successfully completed the three-and-a-half-month carpet weaving course with dedication and perseverance.

After finishing the carpet, Zakia and her team managed to sell their handmade product at a good price.

She says:

"Since we had no other source of income, we sold the carpet quickly and at a good price. Half of the money was used to buy more materials and weaving thread, and the other half was equally divided among us. Now, I’ve started weaving carpets again at home. I’m so happy to have a job and a source of income for my family.
I sincerely thank the immunity and survival national organization and everyone who supported us during these difficult times. I hope this support continues so more women can benefit from it."