An Afghan schoolgirl barred from education under Taliban restrictions has opened a small handicrafts shop in Kabul to support her family and fund her own studies at a private learning centre.
Zahra Alizada, who was forced to stop attending school after the Taliban banned education for girls above sixth grade, said the business allows her to earn an income while continuing her education informally.
“Through this work, I can earn an income for myself and my family,” Zahra said. “Many girls come to my shop to sew traditional Hazara clothing, shawls and scarves. This helps them earn money, and it also helps me pay for my studies at educational centres.”
Zahra runs the shop with her mother, producing and selling handmade clothing and crafts. The family of six relies on the income to cover daily expenses and education costs.
Her mother said the shop has become their main source of livelihood. “I work with Zahra in handicrafts. We both work to earn an income and pay for education and living expenses,” she said. “Anyone who works and keeps trying can succeed.”
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including banning secondary education and universities for females and limiting their right to work and move freely.
Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the measures, with some describing them as gender apartheid. The Taliban say the restrictions are in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.
Despite the restrictions, women and girls like Zahra continue to seek alternative ways to survive economically and pursue education, often through informal work and community-based initiatives.
Activists say such efforts highlight both the resilience of Afghan women and the cost of policies that have excluded millions of girls from schools and public life.
