A Single Mother's Fight for Her Family's Future

Nergiz*, a 30-year-old mother from Kandahar, Afghanistan, faced immense challenges when her husband lost his job and left for Iran, never to return. With seven children to care for on her own, her life changed overnight. 

Despite poverty and societal pressure, Nergiz refused to let her circumstances define her. Driven by responsibility and determination, she leaned on her sewing skills to start a small tailoring business. 

In 2014, following in her mother’s footsteps, she began sewing at home with an old machine. As her business grew, she impressively managed to hire fifteen women. But after the political upheaval in August 2021, everything fell apart. “I lost everything. Materials became scarce, restrictions increased, and even when we had supplies, there was no market. My workforce shrank as the work disappeared,” Nergiz said. 

Nergiz had to close her business temporarily. Things worsened when a fire, caused by an electrical fault, destroyed everything. Losing her business devastated her and affected her mental health as she struggled without an income. 

To support her family, Nergiz worked in other people’s homes, though the long hours left little time for her children. Despite the hardship, her passion for tailoring reignited. She began rebuilding her business, hiring two women. “In my first year back, my workload grew. I did not need loans anymore. I could pay rent, school fees, and feed my children,” she said. 

A turning point for her business came in 2023 when she discovered IOM’s support for small and medium-sized businesses through the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA). After submitting a business plan and undergoing an assessment, she received the machinery and equipment she needed to expand her operations. 

Despite ongoing challenges, Nergiz successfully rebuilt her business. “We had two employees making ten items a week. Now we are a team of seven, producing thirty items,” she said. "I have been through tough times, but I want these women to have brighter futures. With the right support, they can run their own businesses too.” 

From January 2023 to August 2024, IOM’s Economic Resilience Programme created and retained 2,212 jobs, 731 of which were for women. The programme also provided equipment upgrades to 23 local businesses, including 16 women-led enterprises, through funding from the STFA. Additionally, the programme supported 77 businesses to obtain ISO/HACCP certification, ensuring their products meet international standards. It also supported 37 businesses in participating in national and international tradeshows. 

*Name changed to protect her identity. 

This story was written by Mina Nazari and Zuhal Nabi, and edited by Avand Azeez Agha. For more information, please contact: IOMAFGHANISTANMEDIACOMM@iom.int