Zahra Kazemi, the visionary behind Women Weavers of Bamyan, has faced numerous obstacles in establishing and running her business. Her Afghan embroidery enterprise endured a two-year before being compelled to cease operations permanently. After relocating to Pakistan, she married and worked from home for four years before returning to Afghanistan. Initially, Kazemi operated her business from a small metal structure resembling a bunker until 2013, when she obtained her official business license. With the assistance of Mary Mag Mcken, Kazemi successfully secured a Canadian contract to produce Kaleen, small-sized rugs. This contract marked a significant milestone, enabling fifty women to become the first in Bamyan to support their families independently. Subsequently, the operation expanded, and Kazemi's team grew to over 200 women after gaining the approval of their families and local mosques. Over time, the number of employees increased, reaching 400 members operating in Bamyan and four additional districts in Afghanistan: Panjaw, Waras, Kawland, and Sheeba. However, scaling the business posed considerable challenges, as deliveries and distribution relied solely on pack animals. Moreover, due to the absence of electricity, the women could only work during daylight hours, near a mountainside, as there were no workshops in these remote locations equipped to accommodate the growing staff. Despite these formidable challenges, Zahra Kazemi remains an inspirational figure within the Afghan community. The products crafted by her team, including beautifully embroidered and handwoven items made from natural materials like cotton and silk, are truly exquisite. In addition to Kaleena, Women Weavers of Bamyan produces a diverse range of handmade products, including vests, jackets, laptop bags, backpacks, sandals, tunics, scarves, and more. As the business continues to expand, Kazemi's primary goal is to provide opportunities for less-educated women to acquire life skills and support their families. Kazemi firmly believes that empowering women with purpose in their communities fosters long-term economic stability and combats the sense of listlessness prevalent in a war-torn country. To date, the Bamyan Weavers collective has launched the careers of nearly 500 women, enabling them to take control of their lives while positively contributing to their communities. Supporting Women Weavers of Bamyan means injecting meaningful wages into small villages, as these women earn and retain their income to support themselves and their families. Aseel takes great pride in partnering with Women Weavers of Bamyan as we share their stories and showcase their products on our global platform.