Lailima’s Story

Before coming or assisted through Hagar ERP and RLL project, Lailuma, a young woman from Afghanistan's Hazara community, faced a series of profound traumas that significantly impacted her life. Initially, her aspirations and dreams were shattered by the regime change in Afghanistan in August 2021, when the Taliban took over and imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including education. Lailuma, who had eagerly anticipated starting university to pursue a degree in Business Administration, found herself trapped in a vortex of despair and uncertainty as the new authorities banned her and countless other women from continuing their education.

The economic downturn that accompanied the regime change further compounded her family's struggles. Lailuma's father, a daily wage labourer, lost his source of income as construction work ceased across the country. In a desperate attempt to provide for his family, he embarked on a perilous migration journey, selling his only assets—a cart and bicycle—for 12,000 Afghanis. Tragically, he never returned, and no word was heard from him again, leaving the family in deeper emotional and financial distress. 

The situation forced Lailuma and her mother to seek employment in a drastically altered reality, but their efforts were in vain as they found themselves unable to secure any form of work. Facing extreme poverty and fearing for the well-being of her younger siblings, Lailuma's mother made the harrowing decision to marry Lailuma off to a 60-year-old shopkeeper who had extended food credit to their family. Despite Lailuma's vehement objections and pleas for her mother to reconsider, she was married off, leading her into a life of gender-based violence (GBV).

Lailuma's husband, irritable and physically weak, subjected her to servitude, exploiting her for even the most basic tasks due to his frailty. This period of Lailuma's life was marked by intense suffering and abuse, deepening the trauma she experienced. Her mother, realizing too late the grave mistake made, eventually managed to secure a divorce for Lailuma with the help of family members after extensive negotiations. However, by then, the emotional and financial toll had already left deep scars, and the modest financial support from her former husband ceased.

Throughout this harrowing period, Lailuma's resilience was severely tested. She was driven by the need to ensure her family's survival, particularly her younger siblings, who faced the threat of hunger. Lailuma's journey to Hagar was marked by profound adversity and a relentless quest for dignity, safety, and a chance to rebuild her life.

Recognizing the depth of trauma Lailuma experienced, Hagar' RLL has provided her with access to counselling and psychological support. This support aimed to address her experiences of Gender-Based violence (GBV), loss, and the abrupt halting of her education and dreams. Through one-on-one sessions with a trained counsellor, Lailuma had the opportunity to work through her emotional pain, build resilience, and develop coping strategies for her trauma.

Hagar's support for Lailuma included enrolment in RLL's commercial cooperative, which offered not only vocational training but also a stipend. This initiative aligns with Hagar's commitment to economic empowerment, enabling Lailuma to acquire tailoring skills and participate in business development classes. These opportunities were instrumental in reigniting her aspirations and providing her with the tools to pursue a business career. 

Alongside vocational training, Lailuma also participated in empowerment and life skills programs designed to foster her independence and self-confidence. These programs covered topics such as financial literacy, rights awareness, and leadership development, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate her future with autonomy.

Lailuma's journey of resilience and determination, supported by Hagar's comprehensive care and services, has led her to a place of empowerment and success. Now, as the manager of the Dashte Barchi tailoring cooperative, she has transformed her life and is making significant impacts on her community.

Under her leadership, the cooperative has flourished, securing substantial orders and innovating within the garment wholesale market to meet its demands while adhering to cultural mandates. This success has not only provided her with a stable income but also allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the economic well-being of her family and other women involved in the cooperative. The skills and knowledge gained from the business development training have been instrumental in this success, enabling Lailuma to apply effective business strategies, financial management, and leadership techniques.

Lailuma's ambitions have also led her to explore further opportunities for growth and development. She continues to seek ways to expand the cooperative's reach and impact, including exploring new markets and product lines. Her vision extends beyond the immediate success of the cooperative to encompass broader goals of social change and women's empowerment within her society.

“Before, I felt powerless and without hope. The challenges I faced seemed insurmountable. However, through Hagar's RLL, I've grown into someone I barely recognize from my past self. I've learned resilience, developed a strong sense of self-worth, and gained the skills to support myself and my family. Leading the tailoring cooperative has taught me about leadership, teamwork, and the importance of giving back to people like me. I've become more confident in my abilities and more optimistic about the future.”

Through Hagar's RLL comprehensive support, Lailuma received the critical counselling needed to address her trauma from gender-based violence and the loss of her father. This psychological support embedded in RLL project was pivotal in restoring her sense of self-worth and dignity. Additionally, Hagar's provision of vocational training and business development courses directly impacted Lailuma's ability to rekindle her aspirations in business administration, empowering her to lead a tailoring cooperative successfully. This not only facilitated her economic independence but also enabled her to contribute significantly to her fellow workers' well-being. Hagar's holistic approach, focusing on emotional healing, skill development, and social reintegration, has equipped Lailuma with the tools to transform her life and emerge as a beacon of hope and resilience for other women. Through Hagar, Lailuma's journey reflects the profound impact of comprehensive support on individuals facing unimaginable adversities, guiding them towards a path of recovery, self-sufficiency, and leadership.