HELMAND DOLL PROJECT

The idea for the Helmand Doll Project began while I was working in Lashkar-Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand Province, Southwestern Afghanistan, back in June 2007. While there, I asked if there was anything I could do to help the provincial women in what was then (and still now is) the world's largest opium growing area in the world. It was at that time, while talking with the Director of the Helmand Women's Centre, that I noticed some beautifully crafted ethnic dolls sitting in her display case. From there I had the idea that these wonderful, locally made dolls could be a way to help these women find employment outside of opium production and make their lives better... Back in 2007, whilst working in Lashkar-Gah, Southwestern Afghanistan, I asked if there was anything I could do to help the provincial women find a means of income outside of opium production. Fast-forward a couple of years and with our combined efforts, the women of Afghnaistan now have the opportunity to sell..