Meeting Malala and Her Team

This past week, I had the incredible honor of being invited by the American Society of International Law to attend a gala where Malala Yousafzai was recognized for her extraordinary work in education and women's empowerment. Meeting her was like a dream—her calm, yet commanding presence, spoke volumes before she even said a word.

As we exchanged smiles and shook hands, there was an undeniable connection. In her, I saw my younger self—a girl growing up under the Taliban’s oppressive rule, holding on to hope in a world trying to silence her. That brief moment of shared understanding went beyond words. It was as though our spirits recognized each other, bound by the resilience of surviving systems designed to suppress us.

In that instant, I realized that while our journeys are different, our missions are intertwined: to uplift the voices of Afghan women, to restore their dignity, and to give them a future worth fighting for.

But the experience didn’t end there. I had the incredible privilege of speaking with her team members at the Malala Fund. Each conversation revealed stories of resilience and dedication, with team members who are deeply invested in changing the world for Afghan women. One of them had lived in the very same city where I grew up under Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001. We exchanged memories—some filled with sadness, others with pride over how far we’ve come. It was heart-wrenching but also heartwarming to meet these women and hear their personal stories of surviving under the Taliban, much like I had. Many of them, like me, had lived in hiding, studying in secret and daring to dream of a better future.

The Malala Fund is doing incredible work to support Afghan women and organizations in ways that not only focus on education but also on empowerment, helping women reclaim their voices in a world that has tried to silence them. Their commitment to working with local organizations to amplify Afghan women’s stories and struggles struck a deep chord with me. This is about much more than charity; it’s about investing in women’s futures and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.

A Vision for The Rug Mine’s Multi-Purpose Community Center for Artisans

Standing in that room, surrounded by women who have lived the same struggle I have, my mind kept returning to the vision I have for The Rug Mine and its role in creating lasting change. It has always been my dream to build a Multi-Purpose Community Center for Artisans—a space that is much more than just a workspace. I see it as a sanctuary, a place where Afghan women can rebuild their lives, develop new skills, and most importantly, rediscover their dignity and sense of purpose.

This vision has so many facets that I often wonder how to fit it all into one space. First, I dream of a healthcare and psychological services room, where these women can access both physical and mental healthcare. After everything they’ve endured, from war to personal loss, offering a space where they can heal—both inside and out—is absolutely essential.

Next, I imagine a computer room, where artisans and their children can access educational resources. It’s not just about teaching basic computer literacy—although that’s certainly a part of it—but also about offering training in coding, mathematics, sciences, and even rug design. These skills could open doors for their children, giving them opportunities that many Afghan women have never had. There’s something so powerful about the idea of mothers learning alongside their children, passing on knowledge and hope for a brighter future.

And then there’s a part of this dream that’s a little more personal, a little more indulgent, but I think equally important—a beauty salon for the female artisans. It might seem trivial in comparison to healthcare or education, but I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make to feel beautiful, to feel refreshed. I want these women to know they are worthy of self-care, of taking time to feel good about themselves, and to experience a sense of normalcy in their lives. After all they’ve been through, they deserve it.

The center wouldn’t be complete without a museum, showcasing the beautiful Afghan rugs and the history that runs through them. This would be not only for the local community but also for tourists—an opportunity to see the artistry, the culture, and the resilience of Afghanistan through the work of these women. In addition, I envision a gymnasium where women can focus on physical health and wellness, and even a theater for performances, storytelling, and celebrating Afghan culture through the arts.

Maneuvering Around the Taliban and Challenges Ahead

Of course, all of this depends on the current political landscape in Afghanistan. The restrictions imposed by the Taliban make it extremely difficult for women to engage in public life, much less pursue education or work. It’s a constant balancing act to determine what can be done under the current regime and how much pushback we might face. The truth is, none of this will be easy. We’ll have to navigate sensitive issues and find ways to work within the confines of the current situation while still pushing for change.

The Need for Support

And then, of course, there’s the funding. I won’t lie—it’s a massive endeavor, and the costs are substantial. As a small business owner in California, running The Rug Mine is already expensive, and creating something on this scale is both idealistic and challenging. But I am determined. This dream might seem far off, but I truly believe that with the support of our incredible clientele, it can become a reality.

The same people who fell in love with our story on CBS Sunday Morning, who have supported us because they believe in what we’re doing, are the ones who can help make this happen. Every purchase from The Rug Mine directly supports these artisans and their families, and with continued support, I know we can build something extraordinary. The center would be a symbol of resilience, a place where Afghan women can regain their dignity, one knot at a time.

Restoring Dignity and Purpose

At the heart of all of this is the desire to humanize these women. They aren’t just artisans. They are mothers, daughters, and survivors. They have endured hardship most of us can’t imagine, and yet they continue to create beauty in the world through their craft. This center is about restoring their dignity, giving them the space and resources to feel valued and to know they have a place in the world.

And if we can’t do this through our profits alone, I’m hopeful that we can find contributions from organizations that empower women. There are so many groups out there that align with our mission, and I believe we can find partners who share our vision for what Afghan women deserve.

In the end, it’s about much more than building a physical space. It’s about building a future for these women—a future filled with hope, opportunity, and the knowledge that they are not alone. And I know, with the continued support of our amazing clients and partners, that we can make this dream a reality.

-Nargis