09/05/2026
On Mother's Day today we want to pay tribute to Rahila's mother, Hamida, who died a week ago in Kabul. Hamida's life was anything but easy, but she was a fierce mother who protected and provided for her children through the harshest of conditions.
Widowed with young children during the Russian invasion, she fled to Pakistan where they lived in a refugee camp. Hamida collected sticks from the surrounding hills in the morning to sell on the roadside for firewood. She worked as a janitor at a school during the day, then she sewed by hand late into the night... with no electricity, the dim candlelight eventually causing her to lose much of her sight.
Hamida had a mother's love which persevered through everything. She worked hard and sacrificed everything for her children. Despite the grinding poverty of years living in a refugee camp , she passed on the love, kindness and unbreakable spirit that defines someone of character -- evident in her daughter Rahila today.
For the last three years Hamida has lived in our business premises in Kabul, a quiet soul whose presence was an honour to be around. She died surround by family after a long illness. Age 59 (approx).
Rest in Peace Hamida. And Happy Mother's Day to all the other fierce mothers who fight everyday for their children's survival. You are heroes.
