Masoma Alizada has become the first women entrepreneur in Afghanistan to open an apparel factory in the country. Besides, she also runs a store that sells long jackets and embroidered blouses — for both women and men, produced in her factory.
Alizada, who is of Iranian origin, settled in the Bamiyan Province of Afghanistan six years ago. Now she is the proud owner of the the country’s first apparel factory in Bamiyan. She also owns a shop in a nearby market, which happens to be the first women’s market in Bamiyan province established by the governor of Bamyan in 2014, which comprise 25 shops run only by women.
“In order to create employment opportunities for women, I first started a women’s tailoring shop. Now I am happy with my work that has expanded remarkably,” Alizada says. Her apparel factory currently employs around 30 women, who work part-time from their home.
Alizada has benefited from all the support that she has received. “I started working as a tailor from home. At that time, I would sew clothes upon request,” she says.
Mosama reached the pinnacle of her success with the help of Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP), supported by the World Bank, which aims to enhance economic mobilization and activities in the region. In Bamyan Province, AREDP, works in Bamyan city, and Yakawlang, Saighan, and Panjab districts. She is also the first position holder in the Balkh Handicrafts Fair last year.
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