Samira rebuilds livelihood through online sales after return from Iran

After four years in Iran, Samira Mehryar returned to Afghanistan and started over with no capital, building an online sales business in Kabul while continuing to struggle with the loss of her education. Samira told Amu TV that she had run a tailoring workshop producing boys’ clothing while in Iran, but after returning to Afghanistan she began working in sales for the Churma Design brand. She said the business gave her products to sell online and helped her get started without an initial investment. “We supported each other, and they gave me their products and helped me,” Samira said. “I was able to start selling online through Instagram without any capital. Today I have many followers, and many people buy from me.” Samira said migration had brought its own difficulties, including restrictions on daily life and a lack of the documents she needed. Her return to Afghanistan also brought another challenge, which is education. Samira had studied through the 11th grade before the Taliban returned to power in 2021. She said she was then unable to continue her education and now lacks the school documents required to enroll elsewhere. “Wherever I go, they ask me for documents,” she told Amu TV. “My biggest problem is my school documents, and I cannot submit them anywhere to continue my education.” She said she hopes schools will reopen for girls. Alongside Samira, Tahmina Mangal, who runs Churma Design, is also trying to create work for women and girls who have been unable to continue their education. Mangal said her commercial activities began four years ago with the establishment of Sima Mangal company. She said some women now work in beadwork, embroidery and tailoring, while others are involved in sales. “My goals include standing beside girls and helping them find a path in life, whether in terms of their rights or economically,” Mangal told Amu TV. “As much as I can, I try to support these girls and work with them.” For Samira, the business has become a way to rebuild a livelihood after migration and the interruption of her education. For Mangal, it has also become a way to create opportunities for other women facing similar constraints. Source: Amu TV News — https://amu.tv/253633/