For many years, life for Zareen* and her nine family members was characterised by uncertainty and great difficulty. With only her husband’s small salary as a teacher to support them, the family could barely cover their most basic needs, reliant on neighbours and family members for support.

“In the past, our living conditions were very poor, we could hardly meet even our basic needs such as food, clothing, and other necessities”, Zareen explained. As Afghan women continue to navigate harsh restrictions on their ability to participate in public life, education and many forms of employment, Zareen was finding it difficult to stay hopeful.

Everything began to change when Afghanaid arrived in her community with a new project to promote inclusive, community-based solutions to food insecurity and poverty. Recognising that this could represent the route out of poverty her family needed, Zareen immediately enrolled to take part.

From that moment, a new chapter started. Through the project, she received training in agriculture, business and life skills, and even mental health support. She also became part of a women’s self-help group, which gave her access to savings, loans, and encouragement from other women facing similar challenges. With a small loan from the group, and advice from Afghanaid's team, Zareen took her first brave step into business by setting up a greenhouse.

At first, she was nervous. She had never imagined herself running a business. “After participating in the various trainings, I became motivated and realised that women can also contribute to improving the family’s economy alongside their husbands” Zareen explained. “Although it was a bit difficult for me at first, as I feared I might not succeed, the organisation’s staff encouraged and inspired me.” 

With this support, Zareen gained the confidence and resources she needed to build her own greenhouse and kitchen garden. "I established a greenhouse where I cultivated cucumbers. I also created a small home garden beside it, where I planted scallions and squash." Soon, her greenhouse was full of cucumbers, and every day she was selling 10 to 15 kilograms to neighbours and shopkeepers.

“For the first time, I could contribute alongside my husband to meet the needs of our family,” she says with pride. “Now, I am able to buy food and clothing for my children, and I even save a little so that I can expand my work in the future.”

The change in Zareen's household has been remarkable. Where once there was only debt and worry, there is now stability and hope. Her children have access to better food, her family can meet essential needs, and she has discovered her own strength and abilities.

Beyond her own home, Zareen's success has created a ripple effect throughout her community. Men who once doubted women’s role in supporting the family now see how much of a difference she has made, and other women feel encouraged to try their own projects. Zareen is proud that her journey has helped shift perceptions and open doors for women around her. She now dreams of expanding her greenhouse, growing new crops, and sharing her knowledge with other women.

“At first, I thought women had no place in improving the family’s economy,” she told us. “Now I know we can play a vital role.”

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*Zareen's name has been changed to protect her privacy