The Afghan project
In 2019, Susan McCalmont, founder and director of 1515 Lincoln Gallery, met and mentored Hasina Aimaq, an Afghan entrepreneur and business leader. Hasina led an organization that assisted over 8,000 Afghan women with arts and crafts business development, providing materials and resources in centers throughout the country. For two years, Susan and Hasina planned an exhibition of the women’s work in Oklahoma.
In August 2021, Hasina reached out in desperation when the Taliban invaded Kabul. With the help of several Oklahomans, Hasina and her family of five escaped and now reside in Canada.
Hasina’s strong desire to help women who were not able to escape Afghanistan, and who are now subject to severe Taliban restrictions, led to the establishment of the Afghan Women’s Resource Center in Kabul. With the support of Oklahoma women, 14 Afghan women and their daughters now work in a rented basement space equipped with sewing machines, allowing them to continue creating beautifully crafted home goods and clothing items.
These items are sold through 1515 Lincoln Gallery, with all proceeds returning to the women to support their families. To support the women at the Afghan Women’s Resource Center, follow the donate link below.
“I loved working with women in rural communities in Afghanistan. Having been one of them, I understand their struggles and challenges very well.”
