Lida Mangal the founder of Ghan Fashion has been supporting women in Afghanistan through her online traditional clothing business. Her clothing pieces help the women, and their families gain some financial means with the Taliban regime taking away their agency and freedom. We spoke to Lida over a year ago discussing the topic of Afghan women and their freedom. We are here once again sadly to talk about the escalating situation in Afghanistan affecting her business and women’s rights three years on.
Lida’s mission is to support the women in Afghanistan through the profits made by each clothing item sold through Ghan Fashion. These talented women show their craftsmanship through beautiful, embroidered designs perfect for every occasion. However, with external factors affecting her business, Lida does not know how much longer she can last. “My business has not been going well which is disheartening and disappointing.” One of the factors is certain competitors in Sydney selling their items for cheaper but at a lower quality, the cost of shipping from Afghanistan to Australia and her full-time job taking most of her time. She manages most of the photoshoots while modelling her products and hopes to continue with her remaining stock. It has become immensely difficult for her designs to be shipped to Australia and come in one piece. Lida explains “The Taliban check the packages for anything being smuggled out of Afghanistan while using sharp tools ripping my designs.”
The alternatives to bringing products into Australia
Lida has other alternatives in place to continue to sell her products, but her business is all about supporting the women in Afghanistan through their embroidery work. If that part of the business does not exist, her mission to help Afghan women is affected. “When the products arrive in Australia, they are expensive, and if I am unable to sell them for a certain price my financial status including the women in Afghanistan is affected.” She wants her business to grow and support them, but the reality of the situation is different.
Educating customers
Making her customers aware of the situation in Afghanistan is her priority. The clothes bought have a powerful story of resilience and resistance. “I try my best to educate my customers about the situation as my employees in Afghanistan are voiceless and need our support.” She ensures to speak about these talented women in media outlets to spread the word and get their voices heard.
Taliban Regime
The saddening external factor affecting Lida’s business is the Taliban’s regime which has been going on for 3 years affecting Afghan women’s lives. Under the Sharia Law women are not allowed to work, get educated, wear certain attire, travel, engage in their hobbies and now — speak. These restrictions show us the harsh conditions being put on women which should not be tolerated. Since the arrival of the Taliban more than 2 to 3 million Afghanistan civilians are leaving with 250 to 350 Afghans being killed at the border of Iran. It is brutal that innocent people seeking asylum are killed but the main problem is with the Afghan government which is not able to provide the necessities to support their people.
Through this devastating violation of human rights on women, the men are also being affected due to low employment rates. The man in the family is viewed as a provider and protector and when they are unable to do this alternate solutions are considered. This can be seen with the young white-collar generations leaving Afghanistan for better life prospects for themselves and their families. The rising economic crisis in Afghanistan has made it difficult for nonprofit organisations to aid civilians and requires support from decision-makers and donors.
International Intervention
The movements of Afghan women have been heavily restricted with many of Lida’s friends and family complaining about the unjust expectations. The hope of the regime ending has begun to slowly fade with each passing day. “Half of Afghanistan is paralysed especially the women” exclaims Lida. Most of the female populations’ voices have been silenced causing a mental health crisis. The lack of security in terms of employment has caused a desperate need for international communities to intervene. The lack of transparency in Afghanistan has affected both male and female journalists from reporting against the Taliban. Despite civilians struggling to make ends meet and women forced to be voiceless, majority of international media outlets remain silent.
Continuation of Ghan Fashion under the Taliban rule
Lida’s clothing business has been gravely affected due to Afghan women being prohibited from working. “This is something I need to figure out. I have the passion to support those struggling in Afghanistan, but at the same time I must gain the profits.” The thought of opening a physical store to attract more customers struck Lida’s mind but her competitors selling their products for far cheaper rates and at a lower quality does not seem sustainable. She wants her customers to get the best quality and price when it comes to traditional Afghan clothing and hopes to find a solution sooner rather than later.
Lida’s final words about this issue are for more focus to be on Afghanistan. “I am aware there is war in the Middle East and Ukraine to name a few but there is a silent deadly war happening in Afghanistan and the damage is far worse if nothing is done about this.”
If you would like to support Ghan Fashion and Lida’s selfless work to help Afghan women and their families support themselves, please visit her website.