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The Taliban tried to stop Lida from employing Afghan women. She continues to do so covertly
Lida Mangal vividly remembers the "golden years" of her childhood in Afghanistan.
"Life was full of joy in the small things," she said, before civil war forced her family to leave in search of safety.
Decades on, Ms Mangal has found freedom in Australia — though her country of origin and the "very strong" women who remain there never leave her thoughts.
So much so that she decided to employ as many as she could, more than 11,000 kilometres away.
"It's a gender apartheid in Afghanistan now," she told the ABC.
"I thought how could I provide a means of income to these women? They had experience in tailoring and textiles. Some were widowed or without a male companion … Afghan women deserve freedom."
When the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, restrictions on women snowballed.
No colourful garments could be worn. No education. No employment. Then came the silencing of women's voices.
That same year, Ms Mangal founded her business, Ghan Fashion, where she brings traditionally designed dresses from Afghanistan to Australia.
Initially, she was able to openly hire women who were still working in Afghan textile factories, but in recent years, the "barbaric regime's agenda" has made that effort extra difficult.
Now it's all done far more covertly.
"I've got 20 women who are working now from home, because of the restrictions of the current regime. They have their own materials and equipment they use. I explain my designs … and they prepare and make it," she said.
A former refugee and now Australian citizen, Ms Mangal works full-time in a separate occupation, as well as running her fashion business from her Western Sydney home.
The garment transportation process is a challenge — the Taliban use sharp tools to check packages for anything being smuggled out of Afghanistan, meaning some of Ms Mangal's dresses arrive ripped and damaged.
"There's no other option; we have to accept the way it is," she said.
"Every garment has a story.
A short distance from Ms Mangal's business is another Afghan-centred enterprise.
Kabul Social, founded by Plate It Forward director Shaun Christie-David, is run by a team of predominantly female refugees from Afghanistan, bringing their country's flavours to Sydney's CBD.
It was predated by Colombo Social, which has the same intention of celebrating culture and cuisine while employing migrants and refugees.
"Seeing skilled Afghan chefs … connect with customers, rebuild their lives, and thrive with job security is so rewarding."
Mr Christie-David said his aim was to "give people a chance that wouldn't get one otherwise", given the challenges of having international qualifications recognised in Australia.
Marjorie Tenchavez is the founder and director of Welcome Merchant, a social enterprise that elevates refugee and people seeking asylum entrepreneurs.
"It's challenging, it's costly and time-consuming," she said of certifying overseas qualifications.
"Often they [refugees] have family members relying on them in their home countries as well. Refugee merchants also don't have mainstream access to much support, such as borrowing from the banks, given many are on bridging visas."
Language barriers, a lack of local experience, visa uncertainties, and housing insecurity are additional challenges.
"It's now more important than ever to give them a platform because there has definitely been a waning interest in the refugee space."
It's a pertinent conversation, considering celebrations are currently underway for Refugee Week, from June 15 to June 21.
Adama Kamara, deputy chief executive officer of Refugee Council of Australia, said the event was a way to champion the resilient nature of many refugees.
"Refugees are among Australia's most entrepreneurial newcomers … this incredible drive, often born out of necessity and a desire to contribute, adds significant economic and social value," she said.
Later this year, the 1 millionth permanent refugee visa will be issued since Australia's post-war resettlement program began in 1947, according to the Refugee Council.
"It's important we recognise the contributions to Australia made by people who were once refugees," Ms Kamara said.
"It's a powerful antidote to negative stereotypes, showcasing refugees not as a burden, but as dynamic contributors."
