Tailoring: A Small Business Skill for Afghan Women

Classes in tailoring continue to be one of the most popular and economically beneficial classes offered in the Afghan Institute of Learning’s Women Learning Centers (WLC). In June 2008, there were 1,226 Afghan females in tailoring classes in 20 centers in Kabul and Herat, Afghanistan and in the WLCs in Peshawar, Pakistan. There are currently 48 classes being held, with 14 – 43 students in each class.

Following is a story from a 28 year old woman who graduated from one of the Afghan Institute of Learning’s (AIL) tailoring classes in Herat that shows the benefit of the tailoring classes as well as the benefit of the centers as a whole:

“When I was in Iran 2 years ago, I was concerned about what will happen to me when I return to my country. Would I be able to go in school or some educational center to be an educated person like Iranians? But when we came back to our country and moved to this village, after a short time, I found the AIL center and lots of women going and coming from this center. I felt that it is the best place for the improvement of women who want to learn some thing. I went there and enrolled in literacy, tailoring and holy Quran classes. I have attended these three classes in one center and was very happy because every day, I met at least 400 women from my community. And the quality of this center was very good because the teachers were updated by AIL through providing seminars and training. So the methods they taught were the best and students learnt very fast. Today after 2 years, I have completed the 5th grade of literacy, Holy Quran and the sewing course. I feel I am very lucky to have this opportunity to learn these all things and now I can work to support my family. I can read the magazine, newspaper and also I can help my children in their lessons and home work."

Classes in tailoring continue to be one of the most popular classes offered in AIL’s Women Learning Centers. After six months of intensive study, the women are able to sew their own clothes and also sew for others. Their skill helps their families because it decreases the amount that must be paid to outside tailors and, in some cases, allows the woman to earn money for her family by sewing clothes of neighbors and relatives.

There is an added benefit for the women coming for the tailoring classes as most also then take literacy classes and learn to read and write. While in their tailoring class, they are also taught about health, human rights and peace while they sew.

In 2007, there have been more than 900 women studying in tailoring classes in the Kabul, Balkh and Herat Provinces and in AIL’s Women’s Learning Centers in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Following is the story of one woman who came to AIL’s Women’s Learning Center as written and translated by one of the AIL staff members. The story shows not only how beneficial the sewing class was but also how the literacy and other classes were of benefit to her:

• “When I became aware of this center [AIL’s Center], I came and started learning in the sewing class but because I was illiterate I could not pass so I decided to go to the literacy class and besides that I got admission in the embroidery class. After I passed the 2nd grade, again I got admission in the sewing class. This time I could pass the course with an excellent score. Now I am able to sew clothes with good designs and embroidery and through it I have a good income for myself and my family.”