Sahiba The Tenacious
Since 2007, when her husband Hussain became handicapped, Alizar Sahiba’s life took an unexpected turn. With three children dependent on her, she embraced her circumstances, working with fervor from home. Upholding the principles of Purdah, she found strength in her ability to be both present for her family and a relentless provider.
Her Message: “For 15 years, I’ve balanced care for my husband and children with my work from home, respecting Purdah. This choice became my strength, not a constraint. I hope my journey shows other women that whatever the challenges, we are not helpless.”
Zenab The Wise
Zenab, 40, navigates life’s unpredictability with her children Saima (20), Rizwan (16), and Adnan (13), and her husband, whose mental illness taught her mindful resilience. Her craft tells her survival story.
Her Message: “These dupattas are lessons in ‘fazool kharcha’ (avoiding unnecessary expenses). Life necessitates meaningful choices; we weave this truth in our creations, hoping you feel the wisdom in simplicity and purpose with each wear.”
Sadia The Blessed
Saadia, 35, endures in Katti Pahari, facing water scarcity and her husband’s mental illness, shared by his brother, Zenab’s husband. With her five children—Sidra (16), Isra (13), Gibran (8), Sufyian (6), and Muntaha (2)—her life is a testament to perseverance.
Her Message: “Our struggles with water teach us its priceless value. Each dupatta is a plea: use water with thoughtfulness, as if it were as precious as the threads you adorn. Your understanding enriches our shared human experience.”
Kulthum The compassionate
At 32, Kulthum balances being a mother and an artisan, guiding her five children, from Mustafa, 13, to Moussa, 6. Her husband, a teacher, earns under $55 a month. Yet, thanks to Boon Initiatives and Dhaga, she boosts their income from home, ensuring a brighter future for her children.
Her Message: “If you have faith Allah provides what you need. Through Project L-O-V-E, The Boon Initiatives has supported my family through illness. And now Dhaga is helping me earn from home. Islam is a religion of peace and strength, with faith you can deal with any challenge.”
Jamila The beautiful
At 25, Jamila finds harmony in her roles as a mother to Lubna (4) and Aftab (5 months) and an artisan. Her ethos of devotion is evident in her work.
Her Message: “Every stitch I make is with good ‘niat’ (intention), reminding us that no task is too small or thankless. I hope when you wear our dupatta, you feel the heart and soul we put into them, honoring every quiet act of dedication.”
Sakina The Serene
Sakina’s Green Dream: Sakina, 27, mother to Rayann (7), carries her green village’s essence in her heart in Karachi’s rush. Her craft reflects her environmental reverence.
Her Message: “I dream of a greener world for our children. I wish each of us would plant a tree annually, breathing life into our planet. Our dupattas carry this message, hoping to wrap you in our shared love for nature.”
Nazia The Determined
At 40, Nazia balances motherhood and her craft seamlessly. Her eldest daughter is preparing for medical school at St. Joseph, her son studies at Habib Public, her younger daughter is at St. Patrick’s, and the youngest is in Montessori. Sewing, once a hobby, has now become her means to ensure her children’s education.
Her Message: “With a skill or education, we can confront life’s hurdles. My sewing supports my children’s dreams. I hope one day, their education enables them to support the dreams of others.”
M.Zehra The Brilliant
M. Zehra, at 40, is a beacon of dedication with a family of 7 children, from the eldest M. Amir, 21, to the youngest Alia, 8 years. Instead of allowing her 3 daughters to sit idle, she believes in the power of crafting, urging them to learn and create. Sana, her 17-year-old daughter, has become her apprentice, a testament to Zehra’s commitment to passing down her skills.
Her Message: “Value and respect our elders. Absorb their wisdom, and never forget the traditions they hold dear. In learning from them, we keep our heritage alive and thriving.”
Khalida The Young
Khalida, 19, infuses hope for Aalia (3) and Aziz Ur Rehman (1.5) into every table cloth she creates. Her youthful optimism is her resistance, she uses her neighbour’s machine to sew and is saving up to buy her own.
Her Message: “Each table cloth is an emblem of my family’s dreams. We invite you to become part of our hopes for the future, brightening our lives and your homes with each piece you choose.”
Zubaida the Zen
Zubaida has learnt to rely on others to survive. A few years ago Zubaida’s husband a cook was afflicted with brain TB which resulted in a coma. He has since recovered, but his health (he was a cook) does not allow him to hold down a permament job. Zubaida survived with the help of her family and of her husband’s. While she appreciates the support of her loved ones, for Zubaida the ability to finanlly earn herself, while manging and caring for her family is empowering
Her Message: “With every stitch i am learning that Allah has given me the ability to rely on myself, and to help others. I am not powerless.”
Able Ayesha
Fatima the Fierce
Fatima is fiery and fierce. She has always been. This is how she responds to life. Initially when her husband started displaying odd behaviour she fought back. She did not realise he was ill. Not until he had a complete break-down and had to be hospitalised. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia. With her typical fierceness she will tackle this. She will ensure her 4 children are taken care of, she will ensure he takes his medicines (Project L-O-V-E is helping with his treatment) and she will work hard on her dupattas to make sure that she can contribute to the household. And your support will ensure that she is able to do so.
A. Salam The Steadfast
Abdul Salam, a talented carpenter contractor, has faced challenges that would have broken many. After a successful career, Abdul Salam encountered a series of misfortunes while working on a project in Islamabad. His equipment was stolen, and a serious injury left him unable to work for months. Despite these setbacks, Abdul Salam’s spirit remained unbroken.
Recognizing his exceptional skill, we at Wasatan partnered with Abdul Salam to bring our Poet-Trays designs to life. Each tray he crafts is a testament to his determination and craftsmanship.
Every tray is a symbol of resilience, crafted with precision and care by hands that have overcome adversity. They carry a story of hope and renewal, helping Abdul Salam get back on his feet both physically and financially