03.12.08
Rubia: An Organization Still Promoting Afghan Women
A few years ago, it was our distinct pleasure to hear a talk presented by Hafiza Malikbaba, translated by Rachel Lehr, at the Newport, NH Library. Hafiza is a woman from Afghanistan who is part of an international effort to raise money for literacy in the most impoverished country on earth. This is done by teaching women to embroider, using only natural fibers and dye colors found in the country.
This is an example of a pillow made by someone involved with the Rubia project. The earth tones are quite typical of these works. Often, the women “sign” their work, but first, they must learn to write their own names. photo courtesy of Rachel Lehr, one of the founders of the project who is fluent in all the dialects of Afghanistan and travels there frequently.
The story of Hafiza’s life and that of her family would amaze anyone. There is a file on our website that includes information and some of the photos we published in The Quilter magazine.
To read updates on the Rubia project, please take a look at the current Rubia newsletter. I think you’ll find the reports most interesting.
Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications and Virtual Museum
