When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan’s economy collapsed almost overnight. Banks froze, aid organizations withdrew, and women were pushed out of nearly every sector of public life.

But inside small workshops across Kabul, the hum of sewing machines tells a different story.

Here, women trained by Artijaan, a social enterprise led by French designer Belinda Idriss, are reclaiming their futures — one stitch at a time.

“In times of war or crisis, when displacement and destruction erase landscapes and homes, the handmade object becomes both a livelihood and a cultural lifeline,” Idriss says. “Craft carries memory, identity, and continuity. It anchors communities when everything else feels uncertain.”

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From Survival to Sustainability

Artijaan began with a simple mission: to create sustainable livelihood opportunities through craftsmanship, share the stories of Afghan artisans, and preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

With support from the Innovation Hub, the project expanded its tailoring workshops and trained women to meet international quality standards. The grant also funded the development of Artijaan’s first shirt collection, which debuted in Paris to critical acclaim.

“The grant allowed us to develop our shirt collection — something that would have been very challenging without this support,” Idriss explains. “We showcased it in Paris, received orders, and are now restarting production using the profits from that first batch.”

In a country where aid programs often stop and start with political cycles, Artijaan stands out for its sustainability. The enterprise operates as a business, not a charity. Women are trained, equipped, and paid for their work, producing designs that meet international fashion standards.

Today, Artijaan employs more than 1,000 women in seven provinces. Many are the sole breadwinners for their families. Beyond income, they gain confidence, connection, and community.

“Through interviews, we saw how life-changing it was for many to have a steady income,” Idriss says. “Some were able to buy wood for their families to get through the winter. Others said the workshops gave them purpose — a reason to leave the house, to learn, to talk with other women.”

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Empowerment Through Craft

The Innovation Hub’s support has been central to Artijaan’s growth. Beyond funding, the program provides access to experienced professionals, business mentorship, and a network of fellow entrepreneurs across the region.

“The Innovation Hub plays a crucial role in capacity building,” Idriss says. “It offers access to expertise and the chance to exchange ideas with others facing similar challenges.”

Artijaan now plans to expand to other parts of the Middle East, training more women in embroidery and tailoring while connecting artisans to international markets.

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Why It Matters

In a country where women have been pushed out of public life, every stitch becomes an assertion of agency. When women gain economic freedom, entire communities benefit — a truth that holds from Kabul to Cairo.

Help Afghan innovators like Artijaan create opportunity from within. Your support allows Ideas Beyond Borders to fund entrepreneurs, train artisans, and expand sustainable jobs for women across the Middle East.

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This story is adapted from “Threads of Hope in a Fraying Country” by Olivia Cuthbert, originally published in Middle East Uncovered.

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