When Afghanistan’s stones turn into opportunities for women — Pajhwok

ABUL (Pajhwok): In a small workshop in Kabul, Diba Mohammadi is transforming Afghanistan’s natural gemstones into handcrafted jewellery. Beyond supporting her own family, her business has created employment opportunities for 10 other women. In this edition of “Women’s Mirror,” Pajhwok highlights the story of a woman who, after years of working in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector and humanitarian organisations, launched a social enterprise inspired by the potential of Afghan women and the country’s natural resources. Her vision extends beyond jewellery-making to promoting women’s economic empowerment. From public health to entrepreneurship Mohammadi, 32, lives in Kabul’s 11th district. Born into what she describes as an educated family, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Kabul Medical University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Management from a university in Germany. She is married and has three children. In an interview with Pajhwok, Mohammadi said she had spent many years working with Afghanistan’s healthcare system and humanitarian organisations. “During those years, I met and spoke with many women across Afghanistan,” she said. Having travelled to several provinces while working on health awareness programmes and aid distribution, she said she witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by Afghan women. Mohammadi believes economic hardship is one of the greatest challenges confronting women in Afghanistan. “I realised that humanitarian assistance alone cannot solve women’s problems. Creating…