Afghan Refugee Women Utilize Sewing Skills to Aid Premature Infants

A collective of Afghan women, who have characterized sewing as a “lifeline” during the Taliban’s governance, are now assisting premature babies by crafting “heart-warming” covers for incubators. These refugees are receiving assistance under the government’s resettlement programme, which is designated for individuals who collaborated with the British Army during its operations in Afghanistan. Approximately twelve women, who gather weekly in Weeton, Lancashire, for activities such as painting, sewing, and conversation, are producing 12 incubator covers for premature babies at Furness General Hospital in Cumbria. Elaine Mcinally, representing the trust that manages the hospital, stated that the covers contribute a “wonderful touch of colour” and were donated by women “who simply want to give back is truly heart-warming”. Aziza, who arrived in Lancashire last year, was observed completing one of the incubator covers, which were being produced in shades of blue and pink. Speaking through an interpreter, she stated: “I was thinking about the children, to protect their eyes.” She added: “I think the colours are very important to help the children.” Aziza, 49, originally from Paktia in Afghanistan, recounted that she began sewing when the Taliban initially assumed power. Aziza explained that, upon finding herself powerless and restricted to her home overnight because of the prevailing dangers, she self-taught sewing as a means of occupation. She remarked: “The first time when the Taliban took over, I taught myself sewing,” she said. “When they returned, I took it up again, as it was like therapy for me.” A different refugee, also named Aziza, commented that the Lancashire County Council group was “helping [her] to relax and take [her] mind off the problems back home … it’s much safer here.” Their interpreter, Shogofa, is a bilingual Afghan native with a degree in economics, banking, and finance, who departed Afghanistan three years prior. The 27-year-old stated: “Life had been getting better for women, but then three years ago, all that disappeared. “I was at work when someone came in and said, the Taliban is coming – go home.”” With their movement restricted to their residences, some women pursued secret studies at home, while others discovered comfort in sewing or various crafts. Through a journalist contact, Shogofa secured a flight from Kabul in August 2021 and currently serves as an interpreter for the UK Ministry of Defence. Elaine Mcinally expressed significant appreciation for the incubator covers. She elaborated: “The special care baby unit at Furness General Hospital houses vulnerable and premature babies.” “These covers add a wonderful touch of colour to the setting and the fact that they’re provided voluntarily by these women who simply want to give back is truly heart-warming.”