Saniya Parveen, a girl with a soft heart, strong mind, and unstoppable will, chose stitching as a skill that transformed her life from limitations to new possibilities. Born in the remote village of Raksiya in a traditional Muslim household, she grew up surrounded by deeply rooted gender norms that expected her to remain within the walls of home and family, with little room to dream beyond. But Saniya dared to imagine a different life for herself. With the support of the Eva Foundation, her journey began when Khurshida ji, a member of the foundation, convinced her grandmother to allow her to join stitching classes. Her mother later completed the enrollment but with strict instructions that she must go straight to the centre and return home immediately without speaking to boys. Even with these restrictions, Saniya felt this was her chance to step out of boundaries and embrace something of her own.
In the beginning, she doubted whether she could learn, but with determination and persistence, she completed the three-month course. Looking back, she proudly says, “During these three months, I gained confidence, learned that marrying before 18 is illegal, and became aware of my legal rights as well.” Today, she stitches her own clothes, earns from her skills, and continues her education in Class 12. Each outfit she creates not only strengthens her confidence but also becomes a symbol of her independence. Now, she encourages other girls to learn stitching and become self-reliant, proving that access to skills and education can open new paths even in the most challenging environments. Saniya’s story is a powerful reminder that courage, opportunity, and support can help young girls break through barriers and weave a future of dignity and empowerment.
