As the sun shines outside her home, the founder of the Bayat Food Processing Centre is hard at work. Surrounded by jars and bottles, Shazia is busy creating a variety of products, ranging from yoghurts to jams and pickles.
Originally from the Dare-e-Suf district of Samangan province, Shazia and her family left after their house was destroyed by a fire, eventually settling in Faqir Abad, Balkh province, where they now rent a small one-room mud house.
Shazia is the family’s sole breadwinner, with her husband currently unemployed and finding it difficult to find work. The first 6 months in Balkh were very difficult for the family.
“Upon our arrival in Balkh, we found ourselves without shelter and household items, not even carpets on the ground,” Shazia says.
“The fire had taken away everything we owned, leaving us worried about our future. Both my husband and I were unemployed, which made it difficult to get through each day and night. The rent for the house was a constant struggle, and we couldn’t afford enough food.”
Important support
In December 2023, Shazia’s fledgling food enterprise was selected by the Area Based Approach for Development Emergency Initiative (ABADEI) programme, a joint initiative ran by Islamic Relief and supported by the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP).
Shazia participated in an 8-day small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) training course and after completing the training, received a financial grant of 60,000 Afs (approx. £674) to expand and sustain her business.
Shazia’s journey didn’t finish there as she was also invited to present her goods at a sizable exhibition event for female entrepreneurs, organised by Islamic Relief in Mazar-I-Sharif.
Thanks to this exposure, Shazia’s food processing enterprise expanded significantly, and her income also increased. As her customer base grew, so did the staff, with 2 more female employees brought on board to assist Shazia in running her business.
Shazia is delighted with the progress her business is making. Her monthly income has increased from around 2,000 Afs (approx. £22.50) to around 6,000 Afs (approx. £67.40).
“I have assumed the role of supporting my family’s needs by working hard. I am now responsible for covering our house rent and daily expenses and ensuring that my products reach local supermarkets. I also assist my husband in managing our household finances.
“Thanks to the income I have generated, I was able to invest and purchase 10 chickens, enabling me to sell their eggs and generate additional income.”
Future plans
Looking to the future, Shazia plans to buy a dairy cow to help produce more yoghurt and milk. She also wishes to help other women start their businesses and become economically independent.
“I am grateful to those who supported me, both Islamic Relief and UNDP.”
Shazia has become a role model to other women in Afghanistan who want to pursue work and contribute to sustainable livelihoods in the country.
With your generous donations, we can help more women like Shazia grow their businesses and help them achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Donate now.