About ZANAN HERAT SILK
Embrace Every Thread Embody Every Style
About Our Journey
Delivering Excellence in the Textile Industry
Zanan Heat Silk Production company was established in 2016. All of its 750 shareholders are women, as are its CEO, Ms Maryam Shaikh, and her deputy, Ms Zahra Saifi. The company was set up with two main goals: first to revive the prestigious Afghan silk industry; and second to empower women. Women everywhere need fulfilling work and decent salaries not just to survive, but to thrive. Some Afghan women aspire to independence and self-reliance. thers just want to be an asset to the family, not a burden. All want to contribute to their community and have a voice in decisions affecting them. Afghan dominance in silk production has suffered immensely in recent decades. Zanan Herat Silk aims to restore the industry to its former glory. Women are central to this revival, and through silk can themselves be revived, made stronger, more self-reliant, and active in their own lives and in the world. In the next few years, Zanan Herat Silk aims to establish the company as a global player, to build and equip a new workshop in Zenda Jan (Herat) for high-quality silk production, and to grow. Women remain at its heart, holding the shares, but more importantly creating the vision and making it reality.
We've worked with over200K+companies globally
AFHANISTAN
ETHICAL FASHION INITIATIVE
(EFI)
Delivering Excellence in the Textile Industry
Zanan Herat Silk is working with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) project in Afghanistan, which is funded by the European Union and specifically targets job creation for returning migrants and displaced people.
The project helps social enterprises become more efficient and competitive on national, regional and international markets, which means we can create more jobs and wealth for local communities, and also shows consumers how ethical, transparent and traceable supply chains like that of Zanan Herat Silk build stronger communities as well as great products.
Active in ten countries, the Ethical Fashion Initiative is a flagship program of the International Trade entre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
The European Union has a long-term partnership with Afghanistan, working on shared priorities like security, trade, employment and growth, the foundations on which Afghans can rebuild their country and their lives.
http://www.ethicalfashioninitiative.org
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/countries/afghanistan_en
Our Team
Meet With Our Expert Team
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecte adipiscing elit seddo eiusmod tempor dolore magna aliqua inventore veritatis et quasi.
ZAHRA QURBANI
26, vice president of Zanan Herat, coordination of activities
I am really happy working with Zanan Herat Silk. Since I started working here, I have learned a lot of things, like using dyes. I earn a good income and can be a great help for my family. I am especially glad I’m able to send my sister to school so she can keep studying. one day I’d like to own a farm in my village. I’d hire women and encourage them to work outside the home as well.
FATEMAH NOWROZAN
40, natural dyer
My ex-husband had a serious drug addiction that made our home life really difficult. Now I can provide for my children and send them to school myself without having to ask anyone else for charity. It has made such a big difference working with Zanan Herat Silk. I am really happy to work here. In future I hope to train others in natural dyeing and spinning. I can make clothes too. I am saving for a sewing machine, so I can work from home while continuing to work with Zanan Herat Silk.
SOMAIA HABIBI
21, weaver
I work in carpet weaving and the company has helped me to learn the skills and techniques I need for the job. Thanks to my job, I can help my family financially, my sisters and brothers can go to school and I can afford to buy pens and notebooks for them. I recently had training in silk farming, natural dyeing, and spinning. Rearing silk cocoons will help me earn some extra money. For the time being, my economic situation is good and getting better. My family and I are hopeful for the future now.
SARDAR RAHMANI
50, silk spinner
My husband died in the war and I have to get by on my own. I earn a good income spinning raw silk at Zanan Herat Silk. I was able to send my son to university and generally I can deal with any problems that come up, without relying on anyone else. I learned to spin here, and now I work independently as well. Every month I get a spinning order from Zanan Herat Silk and one from the local markets. It has really improved my standard of living and now I am better off than my neighbours.
