Never give up
“It's important that I can stand on my own feet without the support of my husband, family, and despite countless restrictions imposed by the Taliban.”
Mahmooda operated a beauty salon for two decades, employing numerous women until Taliban restrictions forced its closure. Facing unemployment after 15 days at home, she sought financial support from her husband to launch a tailoring center, but he lacked confidence in the venture.
Determined to create income for her former employees, she sold personal jewelry and borrowed funds to purchase sewing machines and materials. Her tailoring center flourished, allowing her to rehire salon workers alongside widows supporting families and girls denied education past sixth grade.
When Taliban police appeared to investigate the large gathering of women, Mahmooda warned them — without fear — that only women were allowed to enter. As enforcement intensified, she arranged transportation for employees and delivered materials to home-based workers, then sold finished products at local markets and returned the profits.