Once excluded from community participation because of disability-related barriers,
Karima is now leading other women towards economic empowerment as the Head of an
Inclusive Women’s Self-Help Group voluntarily established by OEVC.
Her journey from social exclusion to community leadership highlights the power
of inclusion, equal opportunities, confidence and meaningful participation in
transforming lives.
From Social Exclusion to Community Leadership
Karima’s journey of empowerment began when she joined OEVC’s Inclusive Women’s
Self-Help Group, an initiative designed to strengthen women’s capacities through
collective learning, regular savings, referral support, solidarity and advocacy
for their fundamental rights.
Through her active participation, commitment and leadership potential, Karima
gradually gained confidence and assumed the role of Head of the SHG.
Today, she brings members together, encourages active participation, promotes
saving practices and guides the group’s efforts towards economic self-reliance.
Her leadership demonstrates that women with disabilities have the knowledge,
abilities and potential to contribute meaningfully to community development
when barriers to participation are addressed.
Turning Collective Savings into Economic Opportunities
Under Karima’s leadership, group members pooled their individual savings and
took an important step towards financial independence.
Using their collectively accumulated funds, the women established two small-scale
income-generating activities:
- Clothing production and tailoring.
- Dishwashing liquid production.
These initiatives represent more than small businesses. They reflect women’s
determination to mobilise their own resources, make collective decisions,
strengthen their economic capacities and create sustainable livelihood
opportunities.
For Karima, leading these activities represents an important achievement.
She is not only strengthening her own leadership skills but also encouraging
other women to recognise their abilities, pursue their aspirations and work
towards greater economic independence.
A Leader Advancing Disability Inclusion
Karima’s success is reflected not only in her leadership position but also in
the collective progress of the women she supports.
Her story challenges discriminatory attitudes and misconceptions about
disability, demonstrating that women with disabilities can lead, make decisions,
contribute to economic activities and play active roles in community development.
Disability should never be a reason for exclusion. When communities promote
accessibility, equal opportunities, dignity and meaningful participation,
women with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and contribute their talents.
Through its voluntary Inclusive Women’s Self-Help Group initiative, OEVC
continues to promote women’s empowerment, social inclusion, collective
responsibility and economic resilience.
Karima was once excluded from community participation. Today, she is recognised
as a leader, decision-maker and advocate for collective progress.
Disability is not inability. Inclusion removes barriers, opportunity strengthens
potential, and equal participation creates leaders.
Support Inclusive Women’s Economic Empowerment
OEVC welcomes partnerships, institutional collaboration and donor support to
expand inclusive livelihood opportunities, strengthen women-led enterprises
and promote the rights and economic empowerment of women with disabilities
and other women facing social and economic barriers.
Contact OEVC – Afghanistan
Email:
info@oevc.org
Phone:
0700214506
Website:
www.oevc.org
OEVC | Organization for Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities
Empowering Communities • Promoting Inclusion • Building Resilience
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