“In a place where girls were told to stay inside, I picked up a needle and stitched a new life for myself.” – Zeba Parveen
In the quiet village of Raksiya in Sitamarhi, Bihar, lived a young girl named Zeba Parveen, born into a traditional Muslim family. Her father, Rafi Ahmed, worked as a daily wage labourer while her mother managed the home. With two brothers and three sisters, Zeba grew up watching her parents struggle to make ends meet. For girls in her community, education was never a priority—most were expected to do household work, marry early, and remain within four walls. But Zeba dared to dream differently. She continued her studies and is now in the second year of her B.A., though financial hardships often weighed her down.
Everything began to change when she heard about the Zubaida Skill Development Centre, run by the Eva Foundation. On 25th September 2023, she joined the stitching classes as part of Batch 6. Though she started with little confidence, Zeba soon found her rhythm. She learned how to cut fabric, handle the sewing machine, and gradually moved on to creating beautiful garments. Her dedication shone through, and she secured the 3rd rank in her class.
From practice came confidence, and from confidence came independence. Zeba began stitching clothes for villagers and nearby customers, slowly building her reputation. Today, she earns around ₹10,000 per month, helping her family meet expenses, paying for her siblings’ education, and even saving for her own future.
Her journey is more than just about earning—it is about breaking barriers. In a society where girls stepping out for work is still frowned upon, Zeba has become an inspiration. Some criticized her, but she stayed strong, proving that tradition cannot cage determination.
Looking back, Zeba sees her story as one of courage and growth. From a shy girl bound by chores, she has blossomed into a confident young woman shaping her own path. She thanks the Eva Foundation for giving her not just a skill, but a chance to live with dignity.
Zeba’s story shows us a powerful truth: sometimes, even a simple skill like sewing can stitch together an entirely new future.
