MISFA

From Shoe-polisher to Restaurateur and Property Developer

Nabi was not quite ten years old and was enrolled in fourth grade when his family decided to escape the deadly war that prevailed in Afghanistan for decades. After moving...

Straddling the demands of career and culture: An Afghan woman’s triumphant journey

By all accounts and appearances, Saweeta Durrani, a microfinance client of First Microfinance Bank Afghanistan (FMFB-A), has become a highly successful, young businesswoman, privileged to enjoy the best of both...

A widow transforms brides and also her life

The story of 35-year old Farima is a reflection of the challenges and hardships of thousands of Afghan women. Farima was married off as a young girl—while she was a...

A child breadwinner ensures own children go to school

Khawani Khairkhwah was only 14 years old when his father was shot dead during the Taliban invasion of Afghanistan in 1999.  Khawani’s family lived in a village in Mir Bacha...

Stitching her way to Independence

Four decades of war and instability have driven millions of Afghans to leave their homes and take refuge in neighboring countries, Iran and Pakistan, Marzia’s family was no exception. While...

The woman who turned to emroidery to make a living

Razia’s family migrated to Iran during the civil war, but unlike other immigrants, she had very little to complain about.  She focused on acquiring and perfecting sewing and embroidery skills...

Embroidering her way out of poverty

Zainab returned to the country after the collapse of Taliban regime and microfinance helped her start  embroidery business and find her way out of poverty. Now, Zainab employes more than 50...

A victim of theft turns bankruptcy into a boon

Khalil's shop was robbed twice but microfinance helped him become a confident entrepreneur. Download Full Story

A widow living in a cave finds her way out

In 1997, Sousan became a widow at 37 years old when her husband, Mohammad Hussain, died of cancer. Suddenly, the housewife, who was illiterate, became the default breadwinner, in charge...

A once needy woman becomes the village “Khala”

THE STORY OF NAJIBA By Matin Ezidyar MISFA Staff It was not so long ago when Najiba, her husband, who is paralyzed on one leg, and her seven children were...