From closed doors to leader
Kabul: Ms. Fahima, 30 years old, was elected Head of CDC and GA 17 in District 7. She says with a big smile, “A few months ago I did not hear any other voice of a man than my husband, not even my brother in laws. I have been an illiterate sad woman, victim of cultural injustices, married to an old man, no children and no happiness. 6 month of my wedding I became widow because my husband had cancer. Then according to custom, I married with my brother in law who was 75 years old. My husband did not let me go out of home and work but it was my wish to work with women, I did not have any salary and I was feeling very ill almost all the time.
I never thought I would be able to think of working, but this sub-project has been life changing for me. After becoming member of CDC, I came in contact with women whose life had been worse than mine. That was a wakeup call for me. Now I am head of GA 17, leading the team of soap production and am happy over what I have in my life.”
Ms. Fahima has initiated many activities, seminars and meetings with officials and businesses in Mazar-e Sharif and has built a network in the area including elders of District 7, governor office, and non-governor offices. Through negotiations with the Municipality, the sub-project has received 300 sq.m. land where they now plan to build their production unit. 3 men and 28 women are working in the project and the soap is sold in the district, city and other provinces.
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