Project Marhama, under Qatra foundation, is dedicated to supporting Afghan women who are the main providers for their families but have been banded from working. We equip them with sewing machines, materials, and a safe workspace to create garments and handcrafts. Their products are then brought to international markets, ensuring fair compensation and a sustainable source of income..
Named after a grandmother whose legacy of care and strength inspires our work, Project Marhama is more than a livelihood project—it is a lifeline of dignity, resilience, and hope for women determined to provide for their loved ones.
Bibi Marhama was a woman of resilience and strength — someone who refused to bend under the weight of time or submit to oppression. Widowed at a young age, she raised her children through her own hard work and handicraft. Despite the barriers imposed by society, she stood tall, raising her family with dignity and purpose.
Her story is not unique. Thousands of Afghan women walk in her footsteps every day, carrying the same burdens with remarkable courage. Bibi Marhama was also the grandmother of Qatra’s founder, Hosai Ayobi.
In her honor, Qatra’s first project bears her name. Through it, we aim to stand beside women like her — so they no longer have to struggle alone, but are honored, supported, and fairly compensated for their resilience and artistry.
We envision a future where Afghan women are financially independent, empowered, and recognized for their skills and creativity. A world where they can provide for their families, participate fully in society, and pursue opportunities without fear or restriction. Through Project Marhama, we aim to build lasting pathways for dignity, resilience, and hope, ensuring that every woman has the chance to shape her own life and future.
Project Marhama’s mission is to empower Afghan women breadwinners by providing the tools, resources, and safe opportunities they need to achieve financial independence. Through sewing and handcraft, we help transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods and connect their creations to global markets—restoring dignity, resilience, and hope for their future.
For centuries, Afghan women have been the backbone of their families and society. They have woven carpets, stitched garments, cultivated the land, and created art in countless forms. Through colors and patterns, they have expressed stories, identities, and traditions that carry generations of meaning. Yet time and again, these women have been silenced, oppressed, and denied their rights. Today, their talents and voices are needed more than ever.
Project Marhama was created to honor the hands of Afghan women and to empower them through dignified employment. This project matters because it restores life, voice, and opportunity to women whose contributions have too often been overlooked. It ensures that even when challenges arise and attempts are made to hold them back, they will rise stronger—standing tall for themselves, their families, and their future.
We are currently working with 8 women in need during the first phase. This phase includes:
We are committed to building a sustainable and ethical model that prioritizes:
All women and team members involved in the Marhama Project undergo thorough security vetting and verification to ensure the safety and integrity of the initiative. Only trusted and verified associates are welcomed to join the project. For local functionality and the protection of participants, the workspace and management are women-only. Importantly, no contributions or funds will ever be transferred directly or indirectly to the de-facto authorities on the ground. Our priority is the safety, dignity, and autonomy of the women we support.
We have watched women raise families with nothing but thread, hope, and strength. Today, we want to honor that resilience by creating a better path—one of fairness, dignity, and independence. If you’ve ever wanted to support Afghan women in a direct, meaningful, and transparent way, this is that moment. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps lay the foundation of something long-term and impactful. Every donation helps free an Afghan woman from the chains of dependency and abuse.
Our operations are led by a dedicated team of experts and professionals. We are proud to be working with qualified staff with expertise in development, business, design, tech and logistics. Locally, we are supported by a team of female agents in Afghanistan who manage the secure delivery of funds, materials, and coordination with the women artisans.
All women and team members involved in the Marhama Project undergo thorough security vetting and verification to ensure the safety and integrity of the initiative. Only trusted and verified associates are welcomed to join the project. For local functionality and the protection of participants, the workspace and management are women-only. Our priority is the safety, dignity, and autonomy of the women we support.
Qatra is now officially registered as a nonprofit organization and has received its EIN (Employer Identification Number). All donations go directly to Qatra’s official bank account. We are currently in the process of obtaining tax-exempt status. This ensures that your contributions are securely managed under formal financial governance, with oversight by our treasurer and accountant. We maintain full transparency and accountability for all funds received and disbursed.
No contributions or funds will ever be transferred directly or indirectly to the de-facto authorities on the ground.
Your donation will help cover:
In the first phase, success will be measured through:
You can directly support the livelihood of Afghan women and become part of this mission:
