Freedom, defined as “the power or right to speak, act, and change as one wants without hindrance or restraint,” remained elusive for many in Afghanistan during years of conflict. For three Afghan women now living in the United States, freedom signifies a fresh start.
The women, Sweeta Zirman, Nooria Ahmahamaidi, and Nafisa Haqjo, are rebuilding their lives through a local program designed to help refugees adapt to their new environment. Their journey is stitched into the fabric of purses, pillows, and covers they’ve learned to create as seamstresses.
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Each piece they sew symbolizes resilience and a step forward.
Surviving Afghanistan’s conflict was no small feat. After U.S. troops withdrew in August 2021, the Taliban regained control, making it nearly impossible for many to leave the country. For Sweeta, Nooria, and Nafisa, reaching the U.S. is nothing short of a miracle.
Sweeta, who has been in the U.S. for 11 months, described her experience in a few heartfelt words: “A feeling of peace,” she said.
In addition to adjusting to life in a new country, the women are honing skills that could pave the way for new jobs. With family support, they’ve spent months learning and refining their craft.
“I really enjoy it and really love it,” Nooria said about the seamstress class she has attended for four months. She takes pride in the items she’s made, including colorful purses she adores.
For Nafisa, the intricate details of sewing hold a special meaning. “She loved making these because it takes longer to make, and at the same time, put the colors together,” Fisher explained on her behalf.
The program represents a path to opportunity. Graduation marks the culmination of months of dedication, with new careers and futures within reach.
For these women, freedom is more than the absence of conflict. It’s a chance to build a life filled with peace, meaningful work, and time with their families—a life that fulfills their hopes for the American dream.