The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe
by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

December 5, 2013

This is a compelling story of a family living in Afghanistan during the time that the Taliban took over, instantly putting all women under virtual house arrest and whole families in danger. Overnight women were forbidden to attend school, work, be in a public place without a male relative, or wear anything other than a full body covering (chadri) when in public. Yet, this is an uplifting story of the will to not only survive, but create a safe haven, while reaching out to others in the same situation.

One of a family of nine, Kamila Sidiqi has just graduated from the local college, receiving her teaching certificate. How exciting! When the Taliban arrives along with their restrictions, any further schooling or ideas of teaching are gone. She and her five sisters, who still live at home, are dependent on her father and two brothers. Her father is forced to leave and, later, her mother and older brother follow. The girls and one younger brother are left alone with no way to support themselves.

Kamila decides, after shopping at the local bazaar and seeing the poor selection of clothing, to try sewing dresses for special events. This is something she and her sisters can do from home, sending out the younger brother to pick up supplies. Her older sister teaches her how to sew and the family manages to survive on the money they bring in. As the restrictions continue and her work becomes known in the neighborhood, more and more women ask Kamila if she can give them work. She decides to start a sewing school for local women. Later, she joins the U.N. Habitat Community Forum program teaching Afghan women how to start their own businesses.

The author interviewed many members of the family, including Kamila, and members of the community. She's pulled the story together in a well-written and thoroughly researched book. If you're at all curious about the customs and culture of Afghanistan this is a great introduction.