PESHAWAR: In a bustling workshop situated in the vibrant northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, a group of Afghan women eagerly observes their instructor demonstrating the art of tailoring on a sewing machine.
The skills center, established the last year by Peshawar resident Mahra Basheer at the age of 37, was a response to the influx of people from neighbouring Afghanistan. The region had been grappling with an economic crisis and heightened restrictions on women since the Taliban assumed power in 2021.
Basheer, driven by a desire to empower women economically, initiated the workshop, offering training in tailoring, digital skills, and beauty treatments. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of women enrolling and a long waiting list quickly forming. Basheer expressed her aspirations, stating, “If we get assistance, I think we will be able to train between 250 and 500 students at one time, empowering women who can play an important role in the community.”
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a substantial influx of Afghans, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge. Even prior to this, Pakistan hosted a significant Afghan refugee population, numbering approximately 1.5 million registered individuals, making it one of the world’s largest refugee populations according to the United Nations refugee agency. In addition to the registered refugees, an estimated one million more reside in Pakistan unregistered. With its own economic challenges, Pakistan’s government has expressed growing concerns about the increasing number of Afghans arriving, with reports of arrests due to lack of proper legal documentation.
Basheer emphasized her dedication to expanding opportunities for Afghan women, while also including some Pakistani women in the program to enhance their prospects in the conservative region. The three-month course equips women to earn a modest yet meaningful income, often inspiring them to establish their own businesses. One such aspiring entrepreneur is Fatima, a 19-year-old Afghan citizen, who completed the training at the center. Fatima expressed her ambition, saying, Right now, my plan is to start a salon at home. Then to work very professionally so that I can eventually open a very big salon for myself.
The workshop serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, illuminating the path towards financial independence and a brighter future for Afghan and Pakistani women alike in the face of adversity.
