How Fatema Akbari has contributed to the improvement of life in Afghanistan
Fatema Akbari is a remarkable woman who has succeeded despite many obstacles. The Afghan-born businesswoman founded Gulistan Sadaqat. Fatema also fights for women’s rights. Her organisation, the Women Affairs Council, helps women to develop, get an education and find decent jobs.
After the Taliban came to power, her family moved to Iran. There, she married and had children. In 1999, her husband died, and Fatema became the head of the family. To support her children, she took up carpentry. Over time, she became highly skilled and experienced in this field.
Akbari returned to Afghanistan and set up a furniture-making business in 2003. She provided jobs for women who were left without support. The company helped local people who were on the verge of poverty.
In 2009, Fatema joined a Goldman Sachs-sponsored programme in Afghanistan. The program helped local women gain business management skills. Akbari expanded her business significantly after the training and implemented a five-year plan to grow the company.
Role in the development of Afghanistan’s society
Akbari contributed greatly to the betterment of the local people. She proved to be an astute businesswoman and diplomat. The following facts prove this:
1. She was able to negotiate cooperation with the Taliban.
2. The woman could work in areas controlled by the militants.
3. In 2004, Fatema founded the Women’s Council, an organisation dedicated to teaching various handicrafts.
4. The businesswoman invested in the local community, which raised her profile.
Until 2011, Fatema Akbari’s organisation had trained about 5,610 people in different regions of Afghanistan. The programme included courses in handicrafts, conservation, carpentry and other trades, as well as lectures on human rights.
Akbari has made a significant contribution to improving the socio-economic status of women. She has received the Global Leadership Award for her work. Her initiatives have not only given local girls the opportunity to receive at least a primary education. They have also helped them learn vocational skills and find employment.
Her daughter Shahla has continued Fatema’s educational work. She has been actively involved in women’s rights initiatives. Shahla has also set up her own business, a shoemaking workshop. Most of her employees are women.
Akbari and her daughter are working hard to make life easier for Afghans under Taliban rule.
