Lida Mangal, a former Afghan refugee now residing in Australia, is continuing her efforts to employ Afghan women despite the significant restrictions imposed by the Taliban following their return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. With a mission to provide income opportunities to women skilled in tailoring and textiles, Mangal founded Ghan Fashion, which specializes in bringing traditional Afghan garments to the Australian market.

In the wake of the Taliban's takeover, women in Afghanistan faced severe limitations on their rights, including restrictions on education, employment, and personal expression through clothing.

Mangal's initiative began with openly hiring women still engaged in textile factories, but as the situation deteriorated into what she describes as a form of 'gender apartheid', her operations have shifted to a more covert model.

Currently, Mangal works with 20 Afghan women, who create garments from their homes using their own materials and equipment, following designs she provides.

Mangal, who operates her business from Greystanes in Western Sydney while also holding a full-time position in another sector, expresses a commitment to preserving the voices and experiences of Afghan women through her fashion line.

However, the logistical challenges of transporting garments out of Afghanistan create further obstacles.

Packages are rigorously inspected by Taliban authorities, often resulting in damage to the items being shipped.

In addition to Mangal’s efforts, other Afghan-centered initiatives are emerging in Australia.

Kabul Social, a food enterprise founded by Shaun Christie-David, employs primarily female Afghan refugees to bring Afghan cuisine to Sydney.

This social enterprise, following a similar model of cultural representation, aims to empower refugee chefs and provide them with job security amid the challenges of acculturation in a new country.

Marjorie Tenchavez, founder of Welcome Merchant, emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses owned by refugees facing barriers such as certification of qualifications, access to financial support, and navigating local job markets.

These obstacles are compounded by personal responsibilities refugees may hold towards families in their home countries.

The context in Australia aligns with the ongoing observance of Refugee Week, which celebrates the contributions of refugees and highlights their entrepreneurial spirit.

Reports indicate that refugees often exhibit significant drive and resilience, contributing economically and socially to their communities.

As Australia prepares to issue its 1 millionth permanent refugee visa since the resettlement program began in 1947, the narratives of individuals like Mangal stand as representations of the potential and contributions of refugees in Australian society.