Nimroz women’s workshop trains 800 girls, provides jobs for 130 women — Pajhwok

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): A handicrafts and tailoring workshop in northwestern Nimroz province has trained 800 girls and provided employment to 130 women since it was established three years ago, offering opportunities for vocational training and income generation. Sohaila Alizehi, head of the Zaranj Women’s handicrafts and tailoring workshop, told Pajhwok Afghan News that she established the centre three years ago with five sewing machines and five employees. She said the workshop had expanded its activities over the past three years to include carpet weaving, beadwork and other handicrafts. Its products now include traditional Afghan embroidered dresses, handwoven carpets, bead-embroidered clothes and scarves, Balochi zigpdan garments and other handicrafts. Alizehi said the centre later introduced free tailoring courses for girls, with 800 women and girls having received training so far. Some graduates have established their own workshops, while others have found employment in production centres, she added. The workshop currently employs 60 women at its premises and provides work to another 70 women, particularly in Balochi embroidery and tailoring, which they do from home. Alizehi said 200 girls were currently receiving training in different sections of the centre. Around 25 employees and 50 trainees were migrants. “Alongside training, our workshop has provided employment and income opportunities to hundreds of women, most of whom are widows, underprivileged women, female heads of households and…