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In Afghanistan's western province of Herat, a woman has established a successful sewing workshop, employing eight other female workers. VOA Afghan Service brings us her story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script A2A - Women's Businesses Herat TV
HEADLINE: An Afghan Woman Seamstress Inspires Employment Amid Challenges
TEASER: Employees say they’re happy to be involved and stress that the Taliban authorities should not hinder women's work but support it
PUBLISHED AT: Tuesday, 08/15/2023 at 00:01 EDT
BYLINE: VOA Afghan
CONTRIBUTOR: Roshan Noorzai
DATELINE: Herat, Afghanistan
VIDEOGRAPHER: VOA Afghan
VIDEO EDITOR: VOA Afghan
SCRIPT EDITORS: Mia Bush, Page
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA Original | Afghan Service, Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), AFP
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:32
VID APPROVED BY: pcd
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[In Afghanistan's western province of Herat, a woman has established a successful sewing workshop, employing eight other female workers. VOA Afghan Service brings us her story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.]]
((NARRATOR))
In Herat, a woman has created employment opportunities for several other women through her sewing company.
Farzaneh Barakzai, the main provider for her family of nine, has set up a sewing production workshop in the heart of Herat city. This venture not only keeps her occupied but also offers work to multiple other women.
((Farzana Barakzai, Afghan Businesswoman)) ((Female in Dari))
“I currently have about eight girls working with me in this workshop, and I am truly grateful. We participate in local clothing exhibitions, which usually brings us between $230 to $350.”
((NARRATOR))
The employees working at this workshop say they’re happy to be involved. However, they stress that the Taliban authorities should not hinder women's work but, instead, support it, allowing them to grow their businesses.
Shamsizada is one of the women employed in this production workshop.
((Shamsizada, Production Workshop Employee)) ((Female in Dari))
“Work opportunities have been scarce lately. This chance has not only taken me out of the house but has also allowed me to contribute financially and support my family.”
((NARRATOR))
Adiba Waziri, the head of the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the western region, highlights three key areas where Taliban authorities could help foster the women's trade.
((Adiba Waziri, Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry)) ((Female in Dari))
“Our objective is to empower women through job opportunities, showcasing their talents, and making Afghanistan self-reliant rather than dependent on foreign aid.”
((NARRATOR))
Local Taliban officials say they support local businesswomen.
((Nisar Ahmad Elias, Herat Province Spokesperson)) ((Male in Dari))
“The administration of Herat province actively supports local businesswomen. We have witnessed numerous exhibitions, and some of these women are even active in local markets.”
((NARRATOR))
For Barakzai, her intention is to extend her assistance to more women.
((Farzana Barakzai, Afghan Businesswoman)) ((Female in Dari))
“I currently have a limited amount of sewing equipment, but I want to acquire more to help more girls. There are young women who need job opportunities to support their families.”
((NARRATOR))
Amidst Barakzai’s success, Taliban rule severely curtailed women's rights in Afghanistan, denying education, work and basic freedoms, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Despite claims of supporting women's entrepreneurship, the Taliban imposed restrictions, including the latest ban on women's beauty salons.
((For VOA’s Afghan Service, Bezhan Hamdard, VOA News))
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