An Update on Zindagi Now: 2025
As many of you know, Pippa Small works closely with Mohammad Ullah YahyaPoor in Kabul, Afghanistan, to run Zindagi Now—a certified Afghan NGO and social enterprise. The initiative empowers Afghan women through employment in jewellery design and production. It provides safe working conditions and supports women in generating income either from home or in dedicated workshops.
We’ve recently received an update from Mohammad in Kabul, which we’re excited to share. Your continued support—especially through purchasing jewellery crafted by these talented artisans—makes a meaningful difference in their lives.
“Despite the difficulties in fundraising, political and social climate – we have successfully supported both men and women in gaining employment skills. Their perseverance and commitment have been incredibly inspiring. To date, 120 women have completed our program, and an additional 23 women have been supported with tools and benches to enable them to apply their skills in practical settings. Many have gone on to establish their own small businesses, some are working within the workshops as artisans, and others are selling their jewellery locally and through online platforms. More than half are actively generating income from their crafts – a testament to the program’s effectiveness in providing meaningful opportunities. For many women in our programme, the work they do through Zindagi Now means a sense of pride, independence, and empowerment. Several of them have shared that it has allowed them to contribute financially to their families, which has not only improved their self-esteem, but also shifted societal perceptions about women’s roles in the workplace. They feel that they are creating something beautiful that can be appreciated both locally and globally, which gives them a strong sense of purpose.
Right now, our artisans are working on high-end jewellery design, particularly gold-smithing, gem-setting, and polishing. One of our artisans has recently created a stunning collection incorporating traditional Afghan designs into modern jewellery pieces that were well-received in a local exhibition. I would like you to hear firsthand from another of our artisans about her recent designs:
“I recently designed a traditional Afghan pendant using lapis setting in silver, inspired from Turkman jewellery. I applied my stone setting skills to create a modern, clean finish while keeping the piece culturally meaningful. This pendant was later selected to be shown at Kabul Exhibition centre, and I was so proud to see something I made displayed for others. It gave me the courage to believe that I can turn my skills into a business and support my family.”
"This year, we also welcomed men into our training program. This decision was made to address the increasing need for employment opportunities across all of Afghanistan, especially for young people struggling with unemployment. Afghanistan’s youth are facing immense challenges; by including men in our programs, we are providing a holistic approach to uplifting the entire community. The transition has been a natural progression to ensure that both men and women can contribute to economic recovery and have the chance to support their families.
The economic hardship facing Afghanistan, combined with the growing youth unemployment crisis, creates pressure on us to offer more opportunities for young men and women. We are focused on keeping our programs flexible and accessible, even in such challenging times, and are exploring avenues for remote work and international markets to increase our artisans’ opportunities.
Looking ahead, our goals include expanding efforts in other regions of Afghanistan, including Badakhshan, where there is a strong tradition in Lapis Lazuli mining and jewellery-making. Additionally, we will continue our efforts to secure more sustainable income streams through marketing, sales, and partnerships both locally and internationally. We also hope to increase our focus more on remote work and online sales, creating a global market for Afghan-made jewellery and offering more flexibility for men and women to work from home. Ultimately, we are working towards sustainability, reducing our dependency on external funding while continuing to empower Afghan youth.
Pippa Small’s customers can continue to support Zindagi Now by purchasing our jewellery and sharing our story with others. Their support directly impacts the lives of Afghan artisans, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Additionally, spreading awareness and connecting us with other potential buyers, partners, or donors can help us expand our work and reach more women and men in need of support.”
- Mohammad Ullah YahyaPoor