The Artisans of Sewing Seeds for Hope

The women who make up Sewing Seeds for Hope are from families of Afghan soldiers and others who supported the US military during the long war in Afghanistan. Some are from rural areas, while others are from urban settings. They grew up, married, and began raising their children in the shadow of a never-ending war. Now legally resettled in the United States, they are have joined Sewing Seeds for Hope and feel immense pride in their ability to contribute to their families’ economic stability.

Amina

Amina and her husband have a large family of five girls and three boys and share their home with a soldier brother-in-law whose family sadly did not make it out of Afghanistan. Amina delights in sewing beautiful, sparkly dresses for her girls for special holidays. She loves to host visitors and is excited to sell her handmade products in the U.S.

Beduna

Always ready with a shy smile and a big hug, Beduna comes from a small village near the Pakistan border which was on the front lines of the war. Beduna lives with her husband and four children. She is a fast learner and is studying English. Beduna is fashionable and sews her own clothes. She is proud to use her skills to earn income for her family.

Maqbula

Maqbula is a skilled tailor and mother of nine who makes gorgeous, elaborately decorated wedding dresses. She enjoys creating traditional embroidery on dresses for her daughters and granddaughters and embroidered shirts for her sons and grandsons. Her husband worked for USAID. Maqbula is proud to help her family get started in the U.S

Mujahida

Smart and quick with a smile and a laugh, Mujahida’s family includes three young boys. Her husband was stationed at the US embassy. Mujahida studies English and is proud to support her boys’ education. She is a hard worker and a wonderful cook. Mujahida uses her sewing skills to help support her family here in the US as well as those who remain in Afghanistan.

Rabia

Calm and level-headed, Rabia is from a city near the Pakistan border. While she never had the opportunity to attend school, Rabia is smart and resourceful. Rabia and her husband had a tailor shop before her husband joined the military, working with U.S. Special Forces. Rabia is an excellent cook and bakes bread daily while caring for her five sons.

Seya Moi

Energetic and capable, Seya Moi and her husband arrived in the U.S. recently. They are from Panjshir, where her husband worked with the U.S. in drug enforcement. She has a bright young daughter and is working hard to learn English. Seya Moi beautifies their apartment by sewing curtains and cushions. She delights in creating new designs to brighten any household.

Zahra

Zahra comes from an area where the Taliban was deeply entrenched. Lively and intelligent, Zahra is very hospitable and goes out of her way to make visitors welcome in her meticulous home. Zahra’s husband worked with both the Canadian and US military. After being targeted by the Taliban, they fled the country with their six children. Zahra took sewing classes in Afghanistan and can make just about anything. She is very proud to now be called a businesswoman.

Zarghona

Zarghona is from Kabul where she was a middle school teacher. Her husband worked as a translator for U.S. Marines. Zarghona has a driver’s license and works as a teacher’s aide. She has a young daughter and creates clothes for her. Zarghona likes developing new products to sew. She appreciates her new home and American pizza and hopes her earnings will enable the family to a rent larger apartment.