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 have joined Sewing Seeds for Hope and feel immense pride in their ability to contribute to their families’ economic stability.
Aisha
Aisha, our newest member, is from Badakhshan, a beautiful, mountainous region in northern Afghanistan. She has six children, three of whom still live with her and her husband in New Hampshire. Aisha and her husband love to cook and entertain guests in their home.
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.
Lailuma
Lailuma is a young woman from Wardak province. She and her two young children were separated from her husband in the aftermath of the war but were fortunately reunited in the US in late 2023. Her daughter is a fast learner and is so excited to be in school. Lailuma is meticulous and loves to knit, sew dresses and make beautiful items for the home.
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 and her husband have four rambunctious boys. Originally from a very small village, Mujahida's husband was a soldier stationed at two US bases in Afghanistan. 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.
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.