Pippa's Next Generation Origin Story

Today, we’re talking about the origins of this particular Next Generation collection, which is completely stunning. We have a beautiful necklace of leaves handmade in Afghanistan by Yasamen. Yasamen is a young woman who was born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan and found her way to Zindagi Now in Kabul, our project training and providing livelihood skills to women. Yasmeen is now a graduate, and I think her work is absolutely exquisite.  

There’s such an enormous impact from women making jewellery in Afghanistan. This is a shift in cultural norms; it means the families – the husbands, brothers, fathers – of these women are seeing a different side of what they’re capable of. Their talents and skills and the incomes they’re bringing in is changing their lives and perception of women. 

As Yasamen said herself, in making these pieces and learning how to make jewellery, she’s able to support her two children – “every piece I make is a promise to my children, that even from struggle beauty and strength can grow”. These are such beautiful words, and I think supporting the young women who are on our platform Next Generation is so important as a statement of solidarity with their work, their talent, and their skills. As we know, it’s not the easiest time in Afghanistan, and a platform where they can show their work is really important right now. We are so proud and thrilled to give them a platform, their work deserves to be in an international environment.