St James alumna Beatriz Belfrage has launched a fundraiser to support two sisters from Afghanistan. Beatriz lived and worked in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2016 - 21, launching a bespoke tailoring and fashion business called ZAAN Designs in Kabul in 2018. ZAAN aimed to generate employment and therefore greater autonomy for women within a socially-accepted sector, and at its peak employed over 30 women. 

Beatriz explains: "ZAAN's manager - Ms. Manizha Azizi - and her little sister Marwa now urgently need to leave their beloved country. The situation in Afghanistan has become increasingly dire for women, especially those so actively involved in advancing women's rights. Manizha has decided there is no place for her in Afghanistan under the oppressive Taliban regime, who have rolled back the hard-won gains for women's rights since 2001 week on week since their sweep to power last August. However, Manizha and Marwa need funds to be able to leave Afghanistan. Without capital, these fearless sisters cannot afford to seek safety and reclaim their independence.

Watch Manizha on YouTube briefly explaining how oppressive life has become, and why she dreams of leaving Afghanistan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-mkvTP-FBE

Click here to support Manizha today: https://chuffed.org/project/give-two-afghan-sisters-hope-for-their-future Please also consider urging your family, friends and colleagues to donate.

About this Fundraiser & Transparency Statement

Manizha and I selected Chuffed.org because, unlike many other fundraising platforms, Chuffed ensures that 100% of donations go direct to the campaign. When the campaign is over, I will transfer the money by Western Union (currently operational) to Kabul. Upon receipt of all funds, Manizha will film a video of herself, which we will share with all those who donate and leave their details on the campaign."