In Memory of Nadera

The Nadera Doll - An Afghan Women’s Empowerment Project

Nadera, like so many of our artists, was not only poor; she lived in a treacherous, dangerous part of the world. Along with her two sons, Nadera lived in Kabul, Afghanistan. Kabul is still a hostile area full of famine, hardship and war. Safety in Kabul is limited. Recently, as Nadera walked to the market, she was taken from us… killed by a bomb placed in a vegetable cart by a suicide bomber.

Nadera was of one of our artists, and it is with a sad heart that Rising International announces her death.

Alone, due to the failure of an arranged marriage, and in dire need of money to raise her boys, Nadera found hope in making dolls to sell. She was inspired by a teacher in Kabul named Jamila Hashimi. Nadera was one of thirty-five women with whom Jamila works, teaching literacy and sewing skills. This quiet group of widows and women abandoned by their husbands gathering in Kabul would otherwise be forgotten in this harsh and adverse environment. In a small room with one sewing machine to share among 35, Nadera could make a living for herself and her boys.

Nadera was one of the poorest people in the world, and consequently her death would have gone unnoticed, like thousands of others in her same situation. But we can change this.

In her honor, Rising International will keep the last shipment of 13 of Nadera’s dolls and reserve a place of honor for them. We will also rename our Afghan Women’s Doll Project "The Nadera Doll - An Afghan Women’s Empowerment Project" . When you see one of these beautiful handmade dolls, please join us in remembering Nadera.

In an interview with Jamila, we learned that there are no known photos of Nadera.