Weaving Opportunities for Women and the Environment

Naqadeh County in West Azerbaijan is home to Dargah Sangi, an internationally recognized wetland. In the heart of Naqadeh, Zahra stands out as a beacon of hope for the women in her community.

As a teacher, she takes it on herself to pass on her knowledge to others to create positive change. However, she noticed that many women in rural areas lacked access to vocational training opportunities. To bridge this gap, she began traveling to villages, offering vocational courses in partnership with the Technical and Vocational Training Organization. Zahra believes that “women are the pulse of their culture and society.”

With support from the Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project (CIWP)—a joint initiative between the Department of Environment, the Government of Japan, and UNDP—Zahra provides training in carpet and kilim weaving, embroidery, leather sewing, cooking, baking, and upcycling. These skills have empowered many women to launch home-based businesses, contributing to their family incomes and strengthening the local economy. To date, Zahra has trained over 1,000 women, around 170 of whom have turned their cooking skills into home-based businesses, opened restaurants, specialized in kilim weaving, or begun weaving carpets.

Through CIWP, Zahra also educates women on conserving natural resources, promoting water-efficient practices in crafts and agriculture. For example, instead of discarding old clothes, women repurpose them into cushions and pillowcases, turning waste into a source of income for their families.

"We are all connected to wetlands as they are a source of life," Zahra says. "We depend on wetlands, and small actions can have great impacts." She also highlights the environmental challenges posed by agriculture near wetlands, particularly its high-water consumption. She advocates for reconsidering jobs that require excessive water use in favor of more sustainable alternatives. Instead, Zahra encourages people to adopt water-saving techniques, such as planting less water-demanding crops and implementing sustainable farming practices.

For Zahra, this initiative is not just about teaching skills—it is about conserving wetlands and ensuring that well-trained women can play a vital role in their communities. By using their talents to create new opportunities, they are not only securing their futures but also protecting the environment for generations to come.

For more information about the UN's work in Iran, please visit iran.un.org.