Gul Jan's Story | Women For Women

“Growing up, my father worked hard to support our family through his shop. But he still had no fixed source of income, and our lives often felt very unfair.

My older brother thought that it would be better for me to give up my education and tried to keep me from continuing my studies. Both my father and I fought for me to keep going. It was a struggle for us, with our very difficult financial situation. But having the support of my father in my studies in a conservative society made such a big difference in my ability to complete my schooling, and I went on to graduate from a nursing institute.

I was hopeful about my future but finding work was hard. One day, I heard about Women for Women International’s programme. It sounded interesting. I wanted to learn more skills, understand about my rights and running a business, enhance my healthcare knowledge, and even maybe learn vocational skills like tailoring.

A programme participant prepares a sewing machine for tailoring work. Photo: Women for Women International.*

Before I joined the programme, I had actually dreamed of being a good tailor. Afterwards, I felt like I could make that dream a reality.

Gul Jan, Women for Women International-Afghanistan programme graduate

As I neared the end of my year of training, one of the trainers approached us with information about the Change Agent programme and motivated us to apply. Twenty eligible women who met the selection criteria and who are nominated by their peers could take advanced advocacy training for three months.

I was chosen to attend the Change Agent programme, and I learned much more about our rights as women. I learned about the rights we have in marriage, how to advocate to protect those rights. I learned about defending women from violence and underaged marriage, and referring them to resources that can help.

Programme participants in Afghanistan attend a tailoring class. Photo: Rada Akbar

Using all of the different skills I gained through the programme, I started my own business, sewing clothes and doing my own marketing.

Gul Jan

After this training, I hatched a plan. It began with taking a loan from the Village Savings and Loan Association I formed with my classmates in the programme. I used the loan to purchase a sewing machine and more equipment.

Using all of the different skills I gained through the programme, I started my own business sewing clothes and doing my own marketing. With the support of Women for Women International, I secured a business license. Gradually, I found and built a market for my products. I made contracts to sell through vendors at the shopping centre. Then it was time to expand: I opened a tailoring centre and hired more women. Now I provide jobs for more than 15 women.

Women in my community are now excited about our opportunities and what we’ve achieved. We’ve gained self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

I’ve seen a change in my community. Women here are growing. We’re improving our financial situation and violence against women is decreasing. I look at my own family as an example for others of how to practice non-violence and be happy.

Another big positive change is that since Women for Women International opened her, I’ve seen many families allowing their daughters to go to school. They’re finishing their courses, going to university, and getting jobs.

Women in my community are now excited about our opportunities and what we’ve achieved. We’ve gained self-esteem and self-sufficiency and are very thankful for Women for Women International. Today at 20 years old, I am proud of what I’ve accomplished.

*For privacy and security reasons, Gul Jan's name has been changed and representative photos have been used for her story. All the women pictured are graduates of Women for Women International's programme in Afghansitan.