From Weaving to Entrepreneurship: Hori’s Small Workshop, a Big Home for Women’s Empowerment

Paigard News Agency – Badakhshan Province
Written by: Khatira Setayesh Yaftali
Monday, July 8, 2025

In Badakhshan province, a woman with no formal education—but equipped with capable hands and unwavering determination—has created opportunities for employment and training for dozens of women and girls. Bibi Hori Sakhizada, a resident of Faizabad, has played a key role in empowering Badakhshani women by establishing a workshop focused on carpet weaving, tailoring, and handicrafts.

Hori Sakhizada began her work in 2012 (1391 in the Afghan calendar), with the support of a local organization and a modest financial grant. Today, her workshop has evolved into a vibrant hub for women’s training, employment, and development.

She currently works alongside five official apprentices and over 20 women in various fields such as weaving, embroidery, needlework, sewing, and traditional ironing techniques.

One of her trainees, Fawzia, proudly shares her progress:

> “Now I can carry out all the stages of thread production on my own. This has made a big difference for our household economy.”

Another apprentice, Shagul, who came from a remote district of Badakhshan to Faizabad, is continuing her education while working at the center.

The core focus of Hori’s work is to create job opportunities, enhance women’s skills, and strengthen family economies. She firmly believes that with even a small amount of support, the women of this land can transform their future.

In an interview with paigard News, Sakhizada says :

> “Today, my trainees are not just weavers; they’ve become teachers, inspirations, and the backbone of their households. I dream of the day we can export our products to more countries.”

Her workshop is not only a space for work—it is a center of growth, learning, solidarity, and motivation for the girls and women of this underprivileged province.