The policies on education and employment in Afghanistan have sharply limited opportunities for women and girls. But JRS Afghanistan’s Skilling Circles program is helping women develop vocational skills and contribute to their families’ income by creating traditional Afghan textiles and carpets through community-based approaches. 

JRS Afghanistan staff member Fatima* has been a part of the Skilling Circles program since its development in 2023. She has watched participants grow not only as artisans, but also in their confidence and abilities to imagine new opportunities for themselves.  

For Fatima, the program also provides a way to preserve Afghan artistic traditions while adapting them for new markets. Products created through Skilling Circles have reached international customers. 

“I am also proud of the fact that the initiative supports the preservation and transformation of traditional Afghan craftsmanship,” she said. “In this way, traditional knowledge is not only preserved but also given an opportunity to evolve and become economically meaningful.” 

Women participating in Skilling Circles shared what these opportunities have meant to them: 

What was life like before you joined the Skilling Circles? 

Zara*: I am a student who has stopped my education because of the conditions in Afghanistan. Being deprived was very difficult for me because I have always wanted to study, be independent, and build a future for myself. Despite the limitations that exist in society, I tried not to lose hope and to make use of the opportunities available to me to learn skills. 

Shabnam*: I am the eldest of seven children and live in Herat. Before joining JRS and the Skilling Circles program, I spent most of my time at home with my family, though I practiced some carpet weaving. My main goal in working was to earn an income and financially support my younger sister so that she could attend university and continue her education. 

Aisha*: I am an Afghan woman living with my family of five in Herat. Like thousands of Afghan families, our lives are affected by security challenges, economic difficulties, and constant concerns about the future. 

The situation made me discontinue my job and education. I stayed at home without any employment or productive activity. Then I heard that JRS was providing vocational and artistic programs for women in our neighborhood.  

When did you begin to see a change in yourself? 

Mehr*: When I realized that I could learn a practical skill and create something with my own hands, I became more hopeful about my future. Seeing my own progress, even if it was small, helped me gain more confidence. I realized that if I continued learning and practicing, I could create more opportunities for myself in the future. 

Shabnam: Today, as part of the Skilling Circles program, I am responsible for supervising, guiding, and supporting production activities in the carpet-weaving section. When I realized that I could carry out these responsibilities with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility, I understood that I had truly made progress. 

This experience motivated me to learn more, work better, and strive for greater responsibilities and opportunities in the future. 

Aisha: When I started working with Skilling Circles and saw that my tailoring skills were valued and recognized, I became very hopeful. Earning my own income gave me a sense of independence and progress. It also strengthened my belief that I had entered a process of growth that was sustainable, purposeful, and full of opportunities. 

Do you remember the first product you made?  

Mehr: The first product I made through the Skilling Circles entrepreneurship program was a carpet logo. Since it was my first experience, I was a little worried. However, with guidance and practice, I was able to complete the work successfully. I was very happy and proud that I could use my own skills to create a product. 

Aisha: The first product I completed was a standard garment made using precise patterns. I remember paying very close attention to every detail during the early stages to ensure that the company’s quality standards were met. 

Successfully completing that product was more than simply finishing a handmade item; it was a symbol of the beginning of my professional confidence. 

What are you most proud of? 

Mehr: Above all, I am most proud that I did not give up and continued learning. I am proud of the skills I have gained and the confidence I have developed. In such challenging circumstances, these programs have created valuable opportunities for women like us to learn, develop professional skills, and pursue career growth. 

Aisha: I have always tried to use my skills in tailoring and handicrafts as a means of becoming empowered, not only to contribute to my family’s economy, but also to play a role in preserving and promoting the cultural and artistic identity of Afghan women. 

What do you want people outside of Afghanistan to understand? 

Zara: Girls and women in Afghanistan have many dreams, talents, and abilities. We just need opportunities to learn and grow. I am grateful to everyone who creates these opportunities for us. 

Aisha: I would also like to tell the generous donors and valued supporters of JRS/USA that your support is not simply short-term assistance; it is an investment in the dignity, identity, and sustainable future of women in Afghanistan. Skilling Circles has given us a professional identity, hope, and economic independence, and it has demonstrated that Afghan women’s handicrafts have great potential for growth.  

*All names changed to protect anonymity