Afghan Dehkada Carpet Handicrafts

Vendor Biography

Hassina Shirzoi is a 35-year-old married woman from Badghis Province, Afghanistan. She lives in Qala-e-Naw, the center of Badghis Province, with her husband, one son, and three daughters. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

She has three years of experience in carpet production and weaving. She learned the art of carpet weaving from her mother during childhood and grew up surrounded by this traditional craft. Her passion and experience in carpet weaving eventually encouraged her to establish her own business.

In 2024, she started her business and opened a carpet-weaving workshop through the Women’s Market. Her workshop produces a variety of traditional handmade products, including carpets, rugs, traditional tablecloth sets, mattress and pillow sets, carpet curtains, and customized handmade products.

Currently, she employs eight people and provides free carpet-weaving training to 10 students.

Her main goal is to preserve and promote Afghanistan’s traditional and cultural handicrafts, introduce local products to a wider audience, and provide free learning opportunities for students. Thro ugh her workshop, she also aims to create employment opportunities and support the skills and economic empowerment of women in her community.