This pioneering program set the tone for Kaweyan International CIC’s London-based empowerment work. Designed as a participatory workshop, the event enabled Afghan women to identify opportunities and challenges in three key sectors—tailoring, beauty, and catering—while also creating space for deeper dialogue on the realities of entrepreneurship within diaspora communities.

The event shed light on the passion and determination of Afghan women to establish their own businesses, yet also revealed how the right structural support is not always readily available to help them flourish.

Key insights and discussions included:

• Zainab Homam (CEO, Awesta Charitable Organisation) highlighted that technical skills alone are insufficient for success; visionary leadership, managerial capacity, and strong family support are equally crucial for sustaining women-led businesses.
• Mr. Ismael Kabore, consultant and supporter of Awesta, stressed that many ethnic minority entrepreneurs remain unaware of the legal and institutional protections available for themselves, their families, and their businesses. He generously offered his guidance to participants on navigating these systems.
• Kamila Sidiqi, founder of Kaweyan International CIC, emphasized the incredible resilience of Afghan women. She noted that despite security threats, women in Afghanistan continue to seize opportunities for personal development—often surpassing their peers in the diaspora, who face different but equally complex barriers to advancement.

By spotlighting these perspectives, Thriving Beyond Borders went beyond sector-based discussions. It became a forum for sharing strategies, highlighting gaps in support systems, and reinforcing the value of strong networks for diaspora entrepreneurs.