GHULAM HAIDAR
40, FARMER

” I come from a farming family. As a young man, l went to Iran to escape drought and instability at home. It was good, but I missed my kids.
Ten years with Ariana Saffron have given me new skills and a reliable income to support my family and grow my business. Life is easier in Afghanistan now. Saffron is a great opportunity.”

AHMAD SHOAIB
32, IT MANAGER

” I studied Information Technology at university and I love my job at Ariana Saffron, specially meeting new people and learning how the business works.
Where do I see myself in ten years? Maybe back in my home village in the countryside with my wife and son, growing saffron on my own land, and helping my community.”

SHAHEERA RASHIDI
19, LEARNING ON THE JOB!

“Ariana Saffron has been a big part of my life for many years: my father started the business when I was just 10 and encouraged me to be actively involved from quite an early age, combining practical experience with my studies. As an Afghan woman, I feel privileged that I can contribute to the family business just as well as a man.
Mostly, I work in saffron processing, which I love: it’s such a delicate product and for me women’s nimble fingers do the job better.
Like my colleagues, I am paid a fair wage and I help the family with living expenses and school fees. I am saving too, and one day hope to set up my own business, maybe in saffron, maybe another sector, definitely a social enterprise and definitely employing a lot of women!”

© Farzana Wahidy / EFI, © Jalil Rezayi / EPA, © Freshta Salehi / EFI